Thomas Edwin Mathews

Thomas E. Mathews, 85, of Crawfordsville, IN went home to be with his Lord, and is now dancing on the streets of gold in heaven. He passed at home surrounding by his loved ones. His friends and family are rejoicing in his renewed body! Tom was a good and faithful servant of God to many people and organizations.

He was born in Crawfordsville Indiana to Garth Edwin "Ed" and Lenora Powell Mathews on October 4, 1935. He attended Crawfordsville High School and graduated with the class of 1953. He had a great childhood growing up on the farm in Smartsburg.
His married his babe, the love of his life, Nellie E. Miller, on September 20, 1958 in Smartsburg Christian Church.

She survives him along with his children: Daniel E. (Cathi) Mathews, Kenton "Rusty" Russell Mathews, Patrice "Patti" A. (David) Harvey, Karen L. (Jeff) Jones, all of Crawfordsville. He loved being Papaw to many people in addition to his grandchildren. Casey (Chris) Anders, Amanda Harvey, Lyndsey (James) Phipps, Mary (Nate) White, Matthew Parker, Jonathan (Haley) Harvey, Truman Jones, Shelby (Joseph) Bernier, Daniel Mathews, and Samuel Mathews.

And 13 great grandchildren. Kaden, Kamdyn, Kayla, Easton, Alaina, Noah, Kynlee, Avery, Cason, Macy, Keaton, Korbyn, and Adilyn. His is also survived by sisters Mary Ellen (Don) Stockford, of McKinney, Texas and Sue O'Dell of Belle Vista, Arkansas. His brother-in-law, Clint O'Dell is deceased. He had several nieces and nephews.

He loved bass fishing in his boat. Camping many trips with his family, friends and their family, especially with his best friends, Fred and Malinda Hedrick. He loved telling his fish stories, and always had a funny story for others. He was a Scout Master to Mt. Zion Troop 362 and 344, where he helped several young men learn the Scout Law, and encouraged them on their way to Eagle Scouts, including his son, Dan and grandson, Truman. He was much admired by his scouts for the skills and mentoring that he gave them. He was honored when he received the Silver Beaver Award. He was a long-time member of Mt. Zion U.M.C. and taught the Fidelis Class Sunday School for many years. He worked at RR Donnelley & Sons for 40 years as a Printing Press Operator. He was in the National Guard and Civil Defense. He was a very active member in the Burning Hearts Emmaus. He helped build churches all over the US with Builders for Christ. He loved the fellowship and seeing a building come together, knowing he was helping and serving his Lord. He and his wife went on 22 mission trips. He volunteered in the Fish Pantry after he retired. He also owned his own printing consultant business, Print Wise.
He will he be dearly missed by his church, friends, and his family. He did not want us to grieve for him but rejoice in the Hope and the Glory of His Lord and Savior.

Join us in a celebration of his life at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, 2131 W Black Creek Valley Road, Crawfordsville on Wednesday, June 30, 2021 from 10:00am till the time of the service at 12:00pm with Pastor's Warren Stewart and Marvin Cheek officiating. Cremation will follow the service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be given to the Mt. Zion United Methodist Church, c/o Janice Emmert, 2957 W Hwy 136, Crawfordsville, IN 47933 or the Women's Resource Center, 407 E Market St Suite 106, Crawfordsville, IN 47933. Sanders Priebe Funeral Care entrusted with care. Share memories and condolences online at www.sandersfuneralcare.com