Matt Mathews, 71, of Gaylord, died Fri, Oct 13, 2000.
Mr. Mathews was born in Grayling on Dec 22. 1928, and was raised in the Grayling area. He enlisted in the U.S. army at the tail end of WWII and had acquired the rank of staff sergeant. After his military service, he returned to Grayling and went to work for Welsh's Ford.
On Mar 20, 1948, in South Boardman, he married the former Alice Thorington, who survives.
He later moved to Gaylord and worked at Bottomley-Moorehead Ford, Schreur Chevrolet, later known as Jim Wernig Inc., and had retired from Gaylord Ford. He was also a reserve police officer for the city of Gaylord in the mid-1970s. Mr. Mathews was employed at Super Car Wash at the time.
He was a member of the Gaylord Elks Lodge and the Lewiston VFW. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, and especially spending time with his family.
Mr. Mathews is survived by his wife, Alice; children Jerry (Ellen) of Gaylord, June Mathews Copenhaver of Colorado, Mark (Bev) of Gaylord and Kandy (Gary) Thornton of Gaylord; grandchildren Kris Ann, Jerry Jr, Teresa, Marcia, Adam, Katelynn, Allison, Meredith, and Megan; great grandson, Sebastian; brothers, Jack (Martha) of Florida and LeRoy (Gloria) of Texas; and sister, Gerry Gellitte of Albion.
Funeral services were Oct 16, at the Nelson Funeral Home in Gaylord; Rev. John Naile officiated. Burial was Oct 17 in Coldspings Cemetery, Mancelona.
Memorial contributions may be made in his name to the Friendship Shelter, through the Nelson Funeral Home, 135 N. Center, Gaylord, MI 49735.
