Printed in the Benkelman, NE. Post, May 1991

Roy Thomas Mathews was born to John Ira and Nancy Jane (Featherston) Mathews at the family homestead southwest of Hiawatha, Dundy County, on Sept. 27, 1896 and passed away at Decatur County Hospital, Long Term Care Unit. Oberlin, Kan., on May 17, 1991, at the age of 94 years and seven months.


He grew up in the Hiawatha community and on April 1, 1917, was united in marriage to Edna May Strobridge at the Lambert home north of Haigler.


To this union, seven children were born: Alberta (Miller) Longnecker, McCook; Eva L. Faddis, Phoenix, Ariz.; Bernard H. Mathews, McCook; Edna May Mathews (deceased in 1927); Donna Jean Mathews (deceased in 1932); Dora L. Olbert, Parker, Colo.; and Dallas R. Mathews, Aurora, Colo.


He is survived by his five children as listed; two sisters-in-law, Florence Mathews of Imperial and Inez Mathews of Benkelman; 12 grandchildren; 22 great-grandchildren; 14 great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews.


He was preceded in death in May, 1990, by his wife of 73 years, Edna; two daughters, Edna May and Donna Jean; his parents; four brothers, Charles, Joseph, Willard and Clifford; six sisters, Elva Louch, Olia Hampton, Grace Cain, Florence Strobridge, Doris Williams and Martha Loescher; and two great-grandchildren.


Services were May 21 at the First Congregational Church in McCook with the Rev. Phil Ewert officiating. Interment was in the Benkelman Cemetery.


Roy became a Christian in 1923 and took an active role in the church throughout his life, including serving as Sunday School superintendent, song leader, elder and Sunday School teacher. He was made an Elder Emeratus of Bethany Christian Church, El Paso, Texas, in 1978. He transferred his membership to the First Congregational Church when they moved back to McCook in 1985.


Roy had a selfless love and put his family above all else. The security of his love and strength was always there for his wife and children. His large family of brothers and sisters sustained each other with a strong bond of friendship and love throughout their lifetimes.


As a young man, he taught himself to play the violin. He sang in men's quartettes; music was always present in the home; and he and Edna sang in church choirs and for funerals and weddings for many years.


He loved the game of baseball, played it as a young man, and enjoyed watching it all his life.


He was a man of humor and loved to tell stories — many of them through song— and many of which are still recounted and have been passed down to great-great-grandchildren.


But he also had the strength to be able to cry. His feelings and emotions ran deep.


He gave his best to whatever task he undertook — and took pride in its accomplishment. He could make mistakes, find the courage to learn from them, and kept going forward.


He retired in 1962, and he and Edna spent the years from 1962 until 1985 in El Paso, Texas, with their son, Bernard. They moved back to McCook with Bernard in 1985.


He was a man of honor and integrity and had a lifetime of giving to and helping others. His life and character were an inspiration to his children growing up and remain an inspiration to them now.


I'm Free


Don't grieve for me for now I'm free. I'm following the path God laid for me. I took His hand when I heard Him call. I turned my back and left it all. I could not stay another day; I've found that peace at the close of day. If my parting has left a void, then fill it with remembered joy. A friendship shared, a laugh, a kiss. Ah yes, these things I too will miss. Be not burdened with times of sorrow. I wish you the sunshine of tomorrow My life's been full, I savored much. Good friends, good times, a loved one's touch. Lift up your heart and share with me; God wanted me now — He set me free.