MATHEWS, Calvin D.

The White Mountain Independent, Show Low, Arizona ~ January 13, 2009 Calvin D. Mathews, 87, of Pinetop died Thursday, Jan. 8, 2009, at RTA Hospice in Lakeside. Mr. Mathews was born April 21, 1921, in Ft. Towson, Okla., to Joseph and Mamie (Becker) Mathews. He came to McNary in 1939 to work for Southwest Lumber Mill. He enlisted in the U.S. Army in January 1942. He served in the Air Corps in North Africa and Europe during World War II. He returned to his beloved Pinetop and the outdoors in the White Mountains in 1945. His favorite pastimes were hunting and fishing. In 1948 he opened Pinetop Service and Garage, which he operated until 1975 when illness forced him to move to Roosevelt. He then became a full-time fisherman and backyard farmer. He was one of the last charted members of both the Pinetop Fire District and the White Mountain Sheriff's Posse. He is survived by his daughter, Rosemary (Paul) Watson of Pinetop; grandchildren, Susan Crossland, Richard Mathews, Paulette Newman, Robert Watson, Shayne Mathews, Aaron Mathews, Nathan Mathews and Stephanie Mathews; numerous great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild. He was preceded in death by his wife of 49 years, Vera; sons, Dick, Mike and Lee Mathews and wife, Mary. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 11, in the chapel of Black's Mortuary. Private interment will be at Pinetop Cemetery. In lieu of flowers donations in Calvin's name may be made to RTA Hospice, 1789 W. Commerce Dr., Lakeside, AZ 85929. Arrangements are under the direction of Black's Mortuary, Show Low. Sign an online guest book or offer private condolences at www.blacksmortuary.com.