Sports fans come and go but Maxwell wont forget the late Deke Mathis anytime soon.
Mathis family was honored last week at closing ceremonies of Little League, for helping to make the youth program what it is today.
Mathis, who died on April 5, 2019, was well known in the community, especially to everyone involved in Little League.
The Mathis family is considered to be the backbone of the Maxwell Little League program. His son, Wade, is Maxwell Little League president, and wades wife, Katie, is also involved. Mathis son, DJ, is a high school baseball coach.
” This family deserves to be recognized because they have gone over and beyond to support our Maxwell community and the Little League Park,” said Jolyn Campbell.
Campbell recognized the familys commitment to the youth program by presenting a bouquet of flowers to Mathis wife, Marion.
The flowers were symbolic of the familys gesture to ask the community for donations to Little League in lieu of flowers at his public celebration of life.
” Maxwell Little League received over $23,000 in memory of Deke,” Campbell said.
Maxwell Little League used the money for brick backstops at both fields, concrete work, electrical needs and new lighting.
Campbell said the memory of Deke, who was born Glenn Emmett Mathis Jr., in Orange County in 1943, will live on in the Maxwell community for generations.
In addition, the brief presentation, Maxwell ˜sLittle League closing ceremony also recognized dozens of players, from Tee Ball to juniors. The Maxwell Mets went undefeated in the league season. §