[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 10 (Wednesday, February 11, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E147]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




               HONORING DR. KENNETH GERHART MATHIS, M.D.

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. KEN BENTSEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 1998

  Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the memory of an 
extraordinary man, Dr. Kenneth Gerhart Mathis of Pasadena, TX, who 
passed away on Sunday, February 1, 1998. His passing is a tremendous 
loss for his family and all the citizens of Pasadena who knew this fine 
physician and civic leader.
  ``Dr. Ken,'' as he was known, graduated summa cum laude from Texas 
Christian University in 1952, the University of Texas Southwestern 
Medical School in 1955, and Bates School of Law, where he won the Fred 
Parks Award in 1977.
  Dr. Mathis is best known for his radio show, KTRH's ``Ask the 
Doctor,'' which aired from the mid-80's to October of 1990. HIs kind 
and gentle manner was evident on and off the air in his counsel to his 
many patients. He was well-read and well-rounded and his colleagues 
noted his phenomenal ability to communicate with his patients. He was a 
popular guest speaker and often lectured nationwide on many medical and 
legal topics.
  It was always clear that what mattered most to Dr. Ken Mathis was the 
well-being of his patients. In an era when the practice of medicine is 
rapidly changing, he reminded many of an old-fashioned country doctor. 
He was always available to patients who needed him and often opened his 
clinic on weekends. Patients could go to his clinic rather than endure 
the uncertainty of waiting or the trauma of the emergency room. His 
patients respected him for his compassion and capability and trusted 
him for his knowledge and expertise.
  Dr. Mathis was deeply committed to his country and the City of 
Pasadena. He served as a qualified flight surgeon for the U.S. Air 
Force in France from 1957-1959 with the 50th TAC Wing F-100 Jet Fighter 
Bombers. His civic activities included service as a board member of the 
Southwest Diabetic Foundation and the American Heart Association, and 
he received the Paul Harris Award form the Pasadena Rotary Club. He 
traveled widely and spread the word about Pasadena wherever he went. 
His many interests included the Shriners, trains, classic cars, boats, 
and of course Dutch Masters cigars.
  Whatever he did, Dr. Mathis' intelligence, compassion, and integrity 
served him and all those he encountered well. He brought a tireless 
energy, an unflagging drive, and a passionate caring to each of his 
endeavors.
  Dr. Mathis was more than just a great physician; he was also a great 
Texan, a dedicated citizen, devoted husband, father and grandfather. We 
offer our sincere condolences to his wife Gay, his children and 
grandchildren, and his entire family. We feel their loss as our entire 
community mourns the passing of Dr. Kenneth Mathis.

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