Cover photo for Don Mathews's Obituary
Don Mathews Profile Photo
1920 Don 2012

Don Mathews

May 9, 1920 — April 20, 2012

Donald David Mathews was born May 9, 1920 in Richardson County, Nebraska. One of two children of Guy and Jenny Mathews, he attended school at Bratton Union and then Peru State College. In 1938 Don played on a championship basketball team at Bratton Union.

During his time at college Don was drafted into the U. S. Army during World War II. He served in the Philippines and also helped build the AlCan Highway. While stationed in North Carolina Don met his future wife, Doris Mae Spake.

Don and Doris were married November 27, 1946 in North Carolina. They made their home on a farm south of Auburn, Nebraska and were blessed with two children, Shirley and David. In 1986 Don and Doris moved into Auburn.

Don farmed for many years, and later worked at WoodCarv, which became the Triangle Pacific cabinet factory. He retired from Tri-Pac after 16 years of service.

Don was a longtime member of the Methodist Church, first at Pleasant View near Humboldt and later at Auburn First United Methodist. In addition to being very active in his church, he served in the Masonic Lodge, OddFellows, Kiwanis, and the American Legion. He was a 4-H Leader, loved to garden and watch hummingbirds, and enjoyed playing golf while he was able.

After Doris passed away on November 11, 2008 Don continued to live in their home or his daughter Shirley?s home in Auburn for over 3 years. He moved to the Good Samaritan Society-Auburn in March of 2012. Don passed away at Good Sam on Friday, April 20, 2012 at the age of 91 years, 11 months, and 11 days. Besides his wife Doris and his parents, Don was preceded in death by his sister and brother-in-law Theoma and Richard Underwood and brother- and sister-in-law Bob and Betty Long.

Don is survived by his children Shirley and husband Bob Drake of Auburn; David and wife Ruth Mathews of Tucson, AZ; grandchildren Steve Drake; Mike Drake; Michelle Drake-Smith and Peter Muth; Sarah, Peter, Leah, and Phillip Mathews; great-grandchildren Nicholas and Jordan Drake; other relatives and many friends.

Memorial services will be Friday, April 27, 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in Auburn. Burial will precede the services at Pleasant View Cemetery near Humboldt, with graveside military honors by American Legion Post #23 of Auburn and the Nebraska National Guard Honors Team. Visitation will be at the funeral home Thursday 9:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m., with family greeting friends 6:00 to 8:00.

Memorials in lieu of flowers are suggested to family choice.
To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Don Mathews, please visit our flower store.

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