Willis L. Mathena, 87, of Raleigh Street, Princeton died peacefully Friday night, August 7, 2026 at Bowers Hospice House in Beckley. Born May 24, 1939, in Princeton, he was the son of the late Joseph Sidney Mathena & Hazel Blanche Poff Mathena.

Willis began his career with the railroad at a very young age, having worked for both the Virginian & N/& W Railroad, retiring from the Bluefield shop. While his health allowed, he enjoyed working in his garden, hunting & fishing, listening to Blue Grass music, reading Zane Gray and watching old westerns. He was an avid Cincinnati Reds fan.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Sue Lucado Mathena, son Sidney Mathena, along with seven siblings, Ella Six, Emma Belcher, Ann Bradbury, Basil Mathena, Randolph Mathena, Jessie Morris & Wilford Mathena. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.

Those left to cherish his memory, three children Teresa Harvey & husband Matthew, Jeffrey Mathena, Carolyn Brown & husband Darrell, five grandchildren, Johnathan Mathena & wife Angel, Natasha Culver & husband Jason, Travis Brown, Brianna Harvey & Nathan Brown. Four great grandchildren, Sorin & Faven Mathena, Amelia & Emma Culver.

Funeral services will be held 11:00 A.M. Wednesday, August 12, 2026, in the Chapel of the Memorial Funeral Directory on the Athens Road in Princeton with Pastor Ray Jones officiating. Burial will follow in Resthaven memorial Park Cemetery in Princeton; Friends may visit with the family Wednesday from 10:00 A.M. until the service hour. Online condolences may be shared with the family via www.memorialfd.com.