Thomas Charles Mathews
July 5, 1928 - August 7, 2020
Obituary
Thomas Charles Mathews, born to William Charles Mathews and Verda Thomson on 7/5/28 and raised in Pinckneyville, IL, passed peacefully on 8/7/2020 at New Life Adult Family Home (Renton, WA) surrounded by his loved ones.
After growing up in Pinckneyville, Tom and his best friend, Bill Pundsack, joined the Navy, which Tom thoroughly enjoyed. He then attended Southern Illinois University, where he met and married his college sweetheart, Doris Elaine Rich on 3/12/1950. After graduating with a degree in electrical engineering, Tom and his pregnant wife traveled cross-country to Seattle, where he accepted a job with Boeing. He thoroughly enjoyed his career at Boeing and retired in Aug, 1996 with a PERFECT attendance record!!
He and Doris, who were charter members of the First Baptist Church of Beverly Park, helped build the original church building, while meeting in a school. Tom proudly served as a deacon, the men’s Sunday School teacher, and the Choir Director for many years. We all enjoyed hearing him sing solos during services with his beautiful baritone voice. He and Doris raised 3 biological kids (along with lots of others) in Burien: Cindy D Richardson, Kevin T Mathews, and Darren C Mathews. Tragically, Kevin and Darren were killed by a drunk driver in July 1978.
Tom enjoyed sharing his many hobbies and interests with his kids including woodworking, furniture building, boating, motorcycle riding, and passing on his love of chess, board games, macramé, knitting, beading, crocheting, kite-building and so many other activities. He was a true Renaissance man!
He got to hone new skills when he and Doris started acquiring rental homes. It was part of their retirement plan, but Tom got to paint, do electrical and plumbing and all the things he had learned from his Dad as a boy. Although not a roofer by trade, Tom decided to roof their home himself. Anyone that knows Tom knows how exacting and accomplished he is, but this project seemed truly out of his wheelhouse!! Years later, when a leak appeared in the bathroom ceiling, a professional roofer was called to assess the situation. His assessment: he’d never seen such a perfectly laid out roof!! Tom’s record was intact! He always accomplished whatever he set out to do. (But please don’t ask how LONG it took!!). Doris used to fret that as slow as Tom was at accomplishing tasks, she honestly didn’t know how he kept a job, but at his retirement, the Boeing supervisor shared that if you wanted something done on a deadline, Tom was not your man, but if you wanted something done perfectly, Tom WAS your man! “And,” he continued, “we are, after all, building airplanes, people!!!”
Later in life, Tom and Doris had the opportunity and blessing to have three young men join their family. Kha had been sponsored by their church. Phuc wrote a moving essay about missing his Mom that Doris had the chance to read. And later, Phuc invited his cousin, Tri, to join them. Each young man worked hard, got their schooling, married and started their own families. So Tom and Doris were blessed with many grandchildren: Kha (Ut) had An, Kay, and Lynn, Phuc (Thuy) had Shawn and Darryl, and Tri had Monica and Nicole.
Tom is preceded in death by his beloved wife, Doris; his parents William C. Mathews (Charlie) and Verda; and his sons Kevin and Darren Mathews; he is survived by his daughter Cindy (Rod) Richardson, adoptive sons Kha Hong (Ut), Phuc Ly (Thuy), and Tri Thai, and all his grandchildren. Additionally, he is survived by family in the Midwest: his brothers-in-law Robert Rich (Mae), and Jerry Rich, and many nieces and nephews.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to:
New Life Adult Family Home
1911 Jones Ct SE
Renton, WA 98055
Family and friends are encouraged to share memories and condolences in the guestbook.
An amazing tribute to a life well lived. What a reunion with Aunt Doris, Kevin, and Darren that must have been. Rest in peace Uncle Tom, Amen.
Knowing Tom has been a privilege. We shall never forget his place in the little community at New Life Family Home. Tom’s quiet strength is what will remain in our minds, and we are glad for Cindy and the family that he was always surrounded by his and Doris’ friends. His was truly a blessed and full life! God bless you all.