Thomas Walker Mathews Jr.

Thomas W. Mathews, Jr. passed away on April 8, 2018 at the Sacred Heart Medical Center of Spokane, WA. surrounded by his family.

Thomas was born March 7, 1953 to Thomas and Nancy Wilson Mathews, in Lewiston, Idaho.  “Tom” graduated from Timerline High School of Weippe, ID. in 1971.  Shortly after graduation Tom joined the United States Navy.

In April of 1977 he married Cherri Olson and the couple raised their three children in Waitsburg, WA.  Tom was both a logger and operated heavy equipment in the construction industry. Cherri passed away in November of 2003.  He later met and married Mary Jameson on April 22, 2006 in Waitsburg, Washington.

Tom loved people, and was selfless in his service to others.  As an active community member he was involved with American Legion and many other civic activities.  His ambition to be the “Garlic King” of Waitsburg fuelled his passion for growing various varieties of garlic.  Tom enjoyed camping and fishing and most all spending time with his family and friends.

Tom is survived by his mother Nancy Mathews of Waitsburg, WA, his wife Mary Mathews of Waitsburg, WA., and his sons Thomas (Jody) Mathews III of Moscow, ID., Sean Mathews of Waitsburg, WA, James Mathews of Dixie, WA. ; Jeff (Siobhan) Jameson of Ketchum, ID. and his daughter Jennifer (Tony) Folsom of Orofino, ID.; his brother Tim Mathews of Waitsburg, WA. as well as 8 grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his father Thomas W. Mathews Sr., one brother Ted W. Mathews and his first wife Cherri Mathews.

A Memorial Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, April 14, 2018 at 10:00AM at St. Mark’s Catholic Church in Waitsburg, Washington with Father Steve Werner, officiating.   A Reception and Military Honors will follow at the Don Thomas Building at the Waitsburg Fairgrounds.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Waitsburg American Legion through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.

Family and Friends are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.herringgrosclose.com