Donald L. Mathews

Mathews, Rev. Donald L. Fromerly of Muskegon Rev. Donald L. Mathews, age 96, died April 10, 2020 at Northside Cherokee Hospital outside Atlanta, GA. He was born in Columbus, Ohio on January 21, 1924 to Paul & Isabel (Hastings) Mathews. In his early years he spent time working on his grandparents' farm, which greatly informed his perspective on life. Don served his country as a US Army Medic during WWII in Europe. He was educated at Ohio State University and at Union Theological Seminary in New York City. Don married the former Grace Ota on August 30, 1953 in East Williston, Long Island, New York and she preceded him in death in 2014 after 60 years of marriage. Don served North Presbyterian Church in Kalamazoo for 12 years during which time he also served as a Protestant version of a "worker priest" or "tentmaker" at Fuller Manufacturing Co. in the gear cutting department. During those years he was active in UAW Local 822 as a steward and member of the bargaining committee. Don, Grace and their three children then served for eleven years in Kenya with the National Christian Council of Kenya. They then returned to Michigan, and Don served as the pastor of the First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon for 17 years. In his retirement he also served as the Interim Pastor of First Congregational Church UCC and other churches. Don was a member of the Lake Michigan Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church (USA). He was a past President of the Muskegon Rotary Club and a recipient of the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. Don was also a member of the Torch Club, the Yarnspinners and served on the board of the Hackley Public Library along with a variety of other local committees. Don loved people; he had an ability to make connections. He took a genuine interest in anyone he met. His smile was infectious. He loved parties and social occasions, and in the earlier years his kids always noted that everyone was in the car waiting for him in order to go home. He and Grace enjoyed attending the symphony, local theater and other cultural events. He valued diversity in all its forms and was instrumental in establishing the Jewish Christian dialogue series which now includes Muslims. While he traveled all over the world, his favorite trips were the four canal boat trips with family and friends in Wales and England. He asked that this note say "Thank You" to all those over the years who've shared his life. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Grace and Don Mathews Fund at the Community Foundation for Muskegon County. Survivors Daughter Elizabeth Mathews (Weir B Gilmer) of Roswell, Georgia; 2 sons , Mark (Deveron) Mathews of Baltimore, Maryland, and Timothy (Barbara) Mathews of Kailua, Hawaii; 4 grandchildren, Christopher, Lauren, Amanda and Caroline; 4 great-grandchildren, Grace, Rae, Kellen and James; Sister Marilyn (Tom) Hanson; several nieces, nephews and cousins. Memorial Service A Memorial Service will take place on Saturday, October 23, 2021 at 2:00 PM at the First Presbyterian Church in Muskegon with Rev. Nelson Lumm officiating. Interment in Huntersville Cemetery in Hardin County, Ohio. Please visit www.clockfuneralhome.com to leave a memory or sign the online guestbook. Clock Funeral Home - Muskegon Service First Presbyterian Church 2577 Wickham Drive Muskegon, MI 49441 2:00 PM