John Robert Mathers passed away at his home in Shady Shores, Texas on Tuesday, November 11, 2025. He was born in Washington D.C. on August 8, 1937, to John William and Virginia Elburg Mathers.

Bob was a graduate of Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Maryland in 1956. He received his commercial pilot license from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical Institute of Florida in 1958, served in the United States Army, 2nd Special Forces Group and held a 35 plus year career as a commercial airline pilot for Braniff, Piedmont and U.S. Air. After retiring from the airlines, he flew for TorchMark as a corporate jet captain for 15 years and Express One Airlines on the Boeing 727. Flying since 11th grade of high school, he accumulated over 33,000 hours of Pilot in Command time and was awarded the esteemed FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award.

In 1958, while in line for war orphans benefits at American University, Bob met the love of his life, Virginia Fairholm Carrington. Bob and Ginger had an immediate connection as both their fathers were Killed in Action while serving during World War II. Wedded in 1964 and moving to Texas the year after to begin Bob's career with Braniff, they shared 51 years of an adventurous marriage which brought four children. Bob and Ginger loved Texas and Texans, boating, flying, sailing, exploring, horses and Siberian Huskies. Above all else, Bob and Ginger loved their children and grandchildren.

Bob is survived by three daughters, Candy Mathers of Corinth, Melanie Mathers Murray of Flower Mound and Marianne Mathers McGee of Liberty Hill, one son, William G. Mathers of Shady Shores, two sons-in-law, Matthew Murray of Flower Mound and Kevin McGee of Liberty Hill, two grandsons, Cole Mathers Murray and Luke Carrington Murray as well as nephew Keith Hodson, niece Beth Edelmann and great nieces and
nephews.

Bob is preceded in death by both his parents, his sister, Dr. Carole Mathers Hertz, and his beloved wife, Virginia.

The family has planned for a private gathering to be held at his home at a later date.