William John Mathews

LOGAN?William John Mathews, 78, passed away Saturday, July 6, 2002 in Logan, due to complications from diabetes. William Bill was the sixth child born to Newel M. & Retta C. Mathews on July 17, 1923 in Providence, UT. His siblings are, Wanda Scholes, American Fork, Zona McBride, deceased, Myrl Mathews, deceased, Calder Tom Mathews, deceased, and Adola Barkle, Providence. Bill enlisted in the U.S. Army in February 1946. He spent most of his time in the Pacific where he learned to operate heavy equipment. After his discharge in 1949, he returned to Cache Valley and was employed by LeGrand Johnson, Inc. Later, Bill became an independent backhoe and dragline contractor. He worked on many projects and for many people over the years and was widely admired for his work ethic. Annually, he would work for canal companies in Cokeville, Wyoming and Randolph, Utah where he made many life-ling friends. He married Jean Sant from Treasureton, Idaho, in 1948 and widowed in 1954. Bill also married Joy Bench of Logan in 1959 and widowed in 1988. For many years Bill worked as a scoutmaster. He took many young men camping, hiking, and fishing in the Uintahs and Wind Rivers. Fishing was an activity he enjoyed very much, especially trips to Henry?s Lake in Idaho. In earlier years, he was also an avid deer hunter. Bill served as Lions Club president and was an active member for many years. For several years Bill also enjoyed having a sandwich and a cup of coffee at McDonalds every morning with his buddies. His family would like to thank them for their companionship. Bill has seven children, Diana Allen Waggoner, Cortex, CO, Carol Mathews Liechty, Tucson, AZ, Steven Allen, Buckley, WA, Tracy Allen, West Jordan, UT, David W. Mathews, Providence, UT, Jeffrey D. Mathews, Logan, UT, and T. Tyler Mathews, Enosburg Falls, VT. He also has 30 grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. Funeral services will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Wednesday, July 10, 2002, at the Providence 3rd Ward Chapel, 309 South Main, Providence. Friends and family may call from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, July 9, 2002, at Nelson Funeral Home, 162 East 400 North, Logan, and on Wednesday at the church one hour prior to services. Burial will be in the Providence City Cemetery where American Legion Posts 7 and 12 will conduct military honors. In lieu of flowers or gifts, the family requests donations be made to the Diabetes Foundation or to The Boy Scouts of America. Condolences may be sent online at www.nelsonfuneralhome.com .