The news arrived on April 19, 2026. Tony Mathis died at his home in Grove, Oklahoma. He was 54. No one saw it coming. Now, the town is trying to make sense of a loss that feels both sudden and overwhelming.
Tony was not a quiet presence. He brought energy to every room. At work, he was known for getting things done. In his neighborhood, people knew him as someone who showed up. His absence has left a hole that colleagues and nearby residents are still learning to measure.
Tim and Sharon Mathis welcomed him into the world on October 11, 1971, in Joplin, Missouri. His upbringing in the Midwest instilled in him two values: a work ethic and a sense that people look out for one another. When he eventually relocated to Oklahoma, those lessons followed him. Even when he began a new chapter in Grove, he never lost sight of his origins.
For years, Tony worked at CraneWorks as a top sales representative. His job was about more than moving equipment. He built relationships. Clients trusted him because he did not overpromise. Younger coworkers learned from him because he took the time to explain things. His professional reputation rested on honesty and follow-through—old-fashioned traits that made him stand out.
But work was never his center. His family was. He married Dana Pritchard, and together they raised two children, Brayden and Harper. Their home ran on laughter and reliability. Tony went to games, helped with homework, and made sure his kids knew they came first. The small, unremarkable days—dinner at the table, a walk around the yard—were the ones he treasured most.
He also loved the Dallas Cowboys. That was not a casual interest. Friends knew not to call during games. His family has asked that anyone attending the services wear Cowboys gear. It is an unusual request, but it fits. Tony was never one for stiff formality. He would have liked seeing a room full of people in navy and silver, smiling through their grief.
A service will take place on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. The location is the Mason-Woodard Chapel in Grove. Those who come will include coworkers, neighbors, old friends, and family members. Tony leaves behind his wife Dana, his children Brayden and Harper, and his parents Tim and Sharon Mathis. They will carry forward what he taught them: that love shows up, that loyalty matters, and that a life measured in years can still feel too short.