Larry J Mathews

Larry J. Mathews

1937 - 2013

Obituary

Larry J. Mathews, 76, passed away at his home Saturday, Nov. 30, 2013.

He was born April 19, 1937, in Newton to Cora Runnells Mathews and Horace N. Mathews. On Dec. 24, 1956, he married Evelyn Seyler. She survives of the home.

Other survivors include children, Maureen Poull, Deena Sawyer (Jeff), Kelly Mathews (Jennifer) and Ian Scott; sisters, Glenna Stuckey (Jim) and Marilyn Mathews; brothers, Merwyn Mathews and Loren Mathews (Corleen); six grandchildren; and one great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Horace N. Mathews Jr., Warren Mathews and William Mathews; and sister, Elaine Mathews Davis.

He attended Newton High School, graduating from high school with the class of 1955. Larry retired from Southwestern Bell after 31 years of service and Builders Concrete for 16 years. He was president of the Communication Workers of America Local 6402.

Larry was active in the Newton community, serving 12 years on the City Commission, and served as mayor three times. First United Methodist Church was his "second home," where he was active as the president of the United Methodist Men, almost every council or committee at least once, taught an adult Sunday School class, worked with youth groups, sang in the choir and men's chorus and was often in the kitchen.

He coached and officiated with youth and young adult baseball and wrestling. He loved sports of all kinds, including playing some city and/or church league baseball and basketball.

Had his health permitted, he would have been ringing Salvation Army bells by now, as he had done for several years, which indeed he did do in July of this year, raising funds for school supplies. He was active in the Harvey County, state and National Democratic Party, serving in chair positions and attending one National Convention.

A celebration of remembrance will be at 1 p.m. Friday, Dec. 6, 2013, at First United Methodist Church in Newton. Internment of ashes will be family only at a later date.

Memorials may be made to First United Methodist Church, in care of the funeral home.

Family would like to visit Larry's friends in fellowship hall at the church following the service.

Petersen Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. www.petersenfuneralhome