TEXAS- David Leon Matheny, 82, of Surfside Beach, TX, passed September 21, 2014 at St. Francis Hospital in Topeka, KS. He was born October 15, 1931 in El Reno, OK the son of Louis Leon and Ruby J. (Hayward) Matheny.

After college graduation, he proudly served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict, stationed at the Panama Canal Zone.

David received his PhD in Rhetoric from the University of Oklahoma. He taught and coached debate at Texas Christian University and later retired from Emporia State University. He was past-president and inducted into Hall of Fame at Kansas Speech Communication Association. David also preformed many years for the Kansas Humanities Council on the Kansas Chautauqua, and was active in ESU Theatre.

He married Mary Virginia Wylli on January 3, 1954 in Emporia, KS. She preceded him in death. He was also preceded in death by two daughters, Norah M. Matheny and Melissa Matheny-Mitchell.

Survivors include a daughter, Melanie Ralston (Mark) of Topeka, KS and three grandchildren, Adrianne Ralston, Andrew Ralston and Delia Mitchell.

Private family graveside inurnment will be in Holton Cemetery. A Memorial Celebration will be held at a later date. Holton Cemetery. Memorials may be given to the David and Mary Wylli Matheny Scholarship Fund at Emporia State University c/o Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 270, Holton, KS 66436.