Dr. Warren Sherman “Sherm” Mathey

Abstract

Warren Sherman Mathey (LTC USA, Retired), 72, died on Friday, October 28, 2016, in San Antonio, TX. He was buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery. Because of his long involvement and support of the mounted cavalry, even the caisson horses and their riders who knew and respected him participated in the final honors for this remarkable man. The international reach of our profession and his life was evident on the day of the funeral when we received calls from around the globe offering condolences to the family. This was a great surprise and comfort to his grown sons. To his friends and colleagues, he was “Sherm” or “Doc Mathey,” a great veterinarian and leader as well as a truly selfless, gracious, generous, and caring person. After marrying the love of his life, Mary DaLee Ramsey of Orrville, OH in 1967, Sherm graduated from Spring Hill College, Mobile, AL, with a BS in Economics and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Marine Corps. Many of us cannot think of Sherm without first acknowledging his devotion to the US Marine Corps, but instead of just remembering the motto “Semper fidelis,” we think of him as always and faithful. Sherm was always the teacher, facilitator, and encourager—willing to serve in whatever manner was necessary. During his military career, he was both a Marine and a Soldier. His military colleagues have a deep respect for his war service as a young marine officer in the hellish Battle of Hue City and for his lifetime of faithfulness to the ideals of caring the most for the youngest Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, and Marines that he encountered. He was always willing to give of himself to promote their success in their military careers, but more importantly, to make them successful in their lives and, through them, in the lives of their spouses and children. Sherm also volunteered his time in numerous Christian and charitable organizations including the Wounded Warrior Project and the Center for the Intrepid, Fort Sam Houston, TX. In 1976, he received his doctorate in Veterinary Medicine from The Ohio State University and joined the US Army Veterinary Corps. The Military Working Dog Program had a great need for a full-time, qualified radiologist and in 1986, he earned an MS in Radiology and Alternate Imaging from the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. This training gave an already talented veterinarian the tools to make his greatest professional impact. His devotion to the Military Working Dog Program is unsurpassed, ultimately serving a total of 24 years both in uniform and as a civilian in the Department of Defense Military Working Dog Veterinary Service at Lackland Air Force Base, San Antonio, TX. During breaks in his military career, Sherm also worked for Corometrics Ultrasound, as a mixed-animal private practitioner, and as a contract veterinarian for Sea World of Ohio and Sea World of Texas. Sherm is survived by his wife, Mary DaLee Mathey; his three sons, Darren (Braden), Kevin (Julie), and Ian; three grandchildren, Luke, Evan, and Cybil; his brother, Stanley Andrew “Drew” Mathey; his sister, Maureen “Sue” Bard (Martin); brothers-in-law, George and Jerry Ramsey (Laura); three nieces; and one nephew. You could travel to the Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery should you ever want to visit his gravesite and reflect on his lifetime of service to his country and others, but he is not there. He is at home with his Lord and he remains close by in the loving memories of all who were privileged to know him in this life. We encourage you to remember him where you are, in your own way, by building into a friend or colleague's life as Sherm did for each of us and countless others. Choose today to come alongside someone to share their burden and elevate them in a special way.