Frank John Mathius

Frank Mathius, 81, of Slidell, LA, passed away on September 24, 2024 at Slidell Memorial Hospital. Born on August 4, 1943 in Chicago to the late Sam and Hedwig (Janc) Mathius, he was a loving spouse to Mona Mathius of Slidell and dedicated father to John of Nashville, Margaret (Mathius) Leonards of Houston, and Samuel of Boston. 

In addition to his wife and children, Frank is survived by his brother Marvin of Chicago, and his beloved grandkids Jack and Lottie. He was predeceased by his parents and his brother Sam Jr. 

Frank graduated from Mount Carmel High School of Chicago in 1961, earned a bachelor’s degree from DePaul University in 1965, and a JD from Georgetown University Law Center in 1975. While he pursued his law degree, he served in the United States Army Reserves. His career took him to Capitol Hill working as an aide and executive assistant to several congressmen. He switched to the judicial branch where he worked for the Administrative Office of the Federal Courts, ultimately becoming Clerk of the United States Bankruptcy Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana in 1985. During this time, he became the President of the National Conference of Bankruptcy Clerks. He retired in 2000.

Following his retirement, Frank shared his passion for learning as a substitute teacher at Saint Margaret Mary and a history teacher at Nunez Community College. He also worked on Judicial Development Projects in Albania and Bulgaria for the United States Agency for International Development, sharing his knowledge and expertise on running an efficient and effective court. He was also an active member of the Slidell Noon Lions Club.

Frank was an avid reader, history buff, lover of politics, and student of law. This is evident by his incredible collection of thousands of books he amassed over the years. As a native Southsider, he was also a lifelong fan of the Chicago White Sox and lover of baseball, which was demonstrated by his expansive collection of thousands of baseball cards he amassed over the years.

Relatives and friends are invited to a Funeral Mass for Frank, which will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, Oct. 3 at St. Margaret Mary Church in Slidell, with visitation starting one hour before the mass. He will be interred during a private ceremony at St. Joseph’s Abbey in Saint Benedict, LA. In lieu of flowers the family asks for donations to be made in Frank’s name to Reading is Fundamental ( www.rif.org ) or Hospice House ( www.thehospicehouse.org )