William Franklin Mathews

William "Bill" Mathews, the son of the late William Franklin Grantsville and Cassie May Wigington Mathews, was born in Open Bay, Missouri on April 5, 1937, and passed away at his home in Clarkton, Missouri on May 12, 2007, at the age of 70 years, 1 month and 7 days. He was raised in Gideon, Missouri and had worked in St. Louis as a plant manager. He moved to Clarkton, Missouri several years ago. He was a member of the Pentecostal Church. Surviving are a special loved one, Ruth Ervin of Clarkton, Missouri; four sons, Carl, Richard, and Jerry Mathews all of Malden, Missouri, Mike Mathews of House Springs, Missouri; five daughters: Becky Johnson of Essex, Missouri, Kathy Mallett of Saucier, Mississippi, Melba Green, Cassie Baggett and Jamie Lewis all of East St. Louis, Illinois; 17 grandchildren; several great grandchildren; five sisters, Ruby Yates of Risco, Missouri, Pam Pantanjo of Malden, Missouri, Mary Hutchingson and Jeannie McCinny both of Arvetta, Colorado, Betty Haase of California. Other relatives and many friends also survive. He was preceded in death by three sons, Robert, Ernest and James Mathews, one daughter, Judy Mathews; three sisters, Irene Mathews, Ann Rebino and Fannie Mae Mathews; and two brothers died in infancy, John and Ray Mathews. Friends may call from 5:00 to 8:00 PM on Monday, May 14, 2007, at the Watkins & Sons Funeral Home in Dexter, Missouri. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, May 15, 2007, at the Watkins & Sons Chapel in Dexter, Missouri with the Rev. Richard Blagg of Malden, Missouri officiating. Interment will be in the Stanfield Cemetery in Clarkton, Missouri with Watkins & Sons Funeral Service of Dexter, Missouri in charge of arrangements.