Robert Mathews

Robert Mathews, 86, of Wharton, passed away October 3, 2017 in a Houston hospital. Robert was born on September 7, 1931, in Palestine, TX, to the late James Washington and Alma Belle Cook Mathews. Robert grew up in Palestine and graduated from Palestine High School. He graduated from Lamar University with a Bachelor’s Degree and a masters’ degree from Texas Tech University. After earning his Honorable Discharge from the United States Air Force, he married Edna Lucille Chandler in Palestine on June 4, 1955. Robert was a teacher and high school counselor for many years. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping and visiting with friends and family. Many special memories were made at Cottonwood Lake in Colorado and fishing in Palacios. Robert was active in his church, First Baptist here in Wharton, even serving as Deacon. In addition to his parents, Robert was preceded in death by his sister, Dreba VerDouw, and brothers, Jimmy and Herman Mathews. Robert is survived by his wife of 62 years, Lucy Mathews of Wharton, daughters, Debbie Chovanec and husband, Tony of Houston, and Donna Mathews and husband, Bill Wagner of Avery, sons, David Mathews and wife, Lorri of Prosper and Darren Mathews and wife, Kim of Wharton, sister, Dorothy Courtney of Houston, grandchildren, Christi Pickard and husband, Matt, Darren Chovanec, Kevin Chovanec, Jason Chovanec, Leslie Anne Smith and husband, Nick and Lindsey Mitlyng and husband, Mat, great grandchildren, Avery Pickard, Andrew Pickard, Aiden Pickard and one great grandchild on the way. Following cremation, memorial services will be held on Saturday, October 7 at 11 am at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with Rev. Dale Pogue and Rev. Tony Chovanec officiating. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758517; Topeka, Kansas 66675-8517 or woundedwarriorproject.org. Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences may be left at whartonfuneralhome.com.