Obituary: Mattox, John A.
John was preceded in death by his wife Esther of over 50 years, his daughter Debbie and daughter-in-law Shirley.
He is survived by his daughter JoAnne Krupke, Gene Krupke, and sons, Gary Mattox, Steve Mattox and son-in-law Tim Sewall and several loved grandchildren and great-grand- children.
John graduated from Grangeville High School in 1941 and worked for the U.S. Forest Service in the Nez Perce National Forest for two years.
He was drafted into the Army of February of 1943 during WW II.
He served over-seas in the 535th Quartermaster Group with harbor-craft operations guarding the ports of England and France.
When the war was declared over, he served in the American Graves Registration project.
He travelled through France, Belgium and Germany to locate and identify any American troops that had been killed in action.
After returning home he saw his first television and watched a boxing match.
John was able to see many inventions and changes in his 90 years of living.
In 1946 he married Esther Mattox and began his career at a grain elevator located in Grangeville.
He worked as a grain merchandiser and manager in Grangeville, and surrounding elevators to Sprague, Edwall, and finally to Spokane from 1946 until he retired in Spokane in 1990.
He sincerely enjoyed working with the local grain farmers.
He said his happiest memories are those watching his children and grandchildren grow and live their lives.
He will be missed by all who knew him.