Eldon Mattingly

Eldon Hillbilly Mattingly left this earthy world surrounded by his loving family on July 6, 2016, and joined his beloved wife and daughter in his heavenly home. Funeral services will be held at 10:30 graveside, on Monday, July 11, 2016, at Rosehill Memorial Gardens in Marshalltown, Iowa. Visitation will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 10, 2016, at the Mitchell Family Funeral Home in Marshalltown. In lieu of flowers donations may be directed to the Cancer Society. Military Honors will be provided by Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #839 and by American Legion Posts in the Marshalltown area. For condolences or questions please visit: www.mitchellfh.com . Mitchell Family Funeral Home is caring for Eldon and his family. Phone 641-844-1234. Emanuel Eldon Mattingly or as his family called him Matt was born on February 23, 1934 at home in rural Tama County; he was the son of Nimon Tinney and Cora Edna (Otterman) Mattingly. He was the youngest of his siblings, Dallas, Geneva, Delmar, Bernadine and James and the last to pass away. Eldon grew up in Tama County on a farm; he went to school at Highland #2. He joined the Air force in 1954, and was honorably discharged in 1958; he had served overseas in Japan and Marshall Islands during his tour. He was honored and very proud to be a Veteran. In 1959 he met a young lady at a dance and in 1960, he was united in marriage to the love of his life (his dance partner) Ruth Linda Spencer and soon after the family began; Lois in 1961, Tammy in 1962, and son Brian in 1966. Matt worked at Lennox Industries where he got the nickname Hillbilly he retired from Lennox in 1997. While he was at Lennox he was a proud Union Member, serving as shop Steward for the Union. His rule was always Join the Union support the Union and NEVER CROSS a Union picket line. He also worked construction with Cat and Scraper. Matt enjoyed hunting and fishing and loved being out on his boat with family and friends and didnt care if he was catching anything just as long as he was outdoors. Left to cherish Matts memory is his daughter, Lois Zack Zakerolhossein and her children: Lindsey, Brianna and Jonny Laughlin and step-children, Kelly and Troy; son, Brian and his children: Ariel, Tabby, Cora and Ruth Ann Mattingly, step-daughter, Yolanda and 5 great-grandchildren and Matts foster children, Kevin and Brenda Lapour. In death he rejoins his father and mother, sisters, brothers, and his beloved wife, Linda and daughter, Tammy. Though the loss of dad and grandfather is heartbreaking, relief can be found in Scripture, which tells us in Matthew 5:4, Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. The family would like to acknowledge the care and love shown by Drs Merchant, Oberding, and Partridge at the William Bliss Cancer Center.