David W. Mathis was a man of honor and integrity. He proudly served as a firefighter for the Phoenix Fire Department for 30 years. His career began back in 1978, when he entered the fire academy. The academy times were tough back then, he said, but he was always a determined fighter. He was in it to help others, and that is what David was always about.

David grew up on a farm in West Phoenix and was a native of the town. He was part of a very wonderful family. He had two loving parents and four siblings, besides many other family members. He was always helping his dad on the farm. As he grew older, he took on air conditioning as a side job, which definitely was needed in Phoenix. He continued this job while doing his firefighting career throughout 30 years. He also had many other side hobbies that kept him very busy. He was great at woodworking and was very well known for his green thumb as a gardener. David was never idle and always kept busy doing something. He was also a great firehouse cook at the stations!

David was an amazing husband and provider. He and his wife were inseparable and were always seen holding hands everywhere. They spent much of their time traveling when able. Cruising was their passion, and they were able to see quite a few places on the ships. David loved his family. His children and grandchildren were everything to him. He never missed an occasion or an event. He loved all the big family gatherings that included food, fun, and tons of love. He was all about his family and the blessings they provided.

David was a kind and gentle man and would do anything for anybody. If you called, he was there. To know him was truly to love him. Even when he was sick, he never thought about himself. It was others he cared about. That is why he wanted to become a firefighter, to help others. It’s obvious that was his calling. He loved it and was born to do the job.

He is in our hearts forever, and God has truly gained another angel.