George Mathews

Mathews, George Donald (Don), 88 passed away April 27, 2016 in Boise, Idaho where he had live for the past 2 years to be closer to his son and family. Don was born Sept. 5, 1927 in Evanston, Illinois to George and Mista Mathews. After graduating from high school in 1945 he enlisted in the US Navy serving at the Naval Air Station in New Orleans and Pensacola, FL. He was recalled to active duty in 1951 during the Korean War where he was assigned to the Long Beach Naval Shipyard. He was released in 1953 from active duty with the rank of LT-JG.

Prior to being recalled in the Navy, he used the GI Bill to enroll at the University of Wyoming where he graduated with a BS in Geology in 1949 and began his career with The Superior Oil Company as a geologist in Casper, Wyoming. In April, 1950 he married Dawn Dally in Evanston. During his career with Superior he and Dawn lived in Rushville Nebraska, Dalhart Texas, Midland Texas, Albuquerque, Farmington New Mexico and Houston. His last position with Superior was as Senior Vice-President of Exploration (Domestic and International), serving on both Superior and Canadian Superior's board of directors. He retired from Superior in 1977 and continued working as a consultant in Houston until 1979 when he went to work for H.N.G. Oil Co. in Midland as Executive V-P of Exploration. He retired from his professional life in 1988 and moved full time to his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico with his wife. Don enjoyed his retirement ranching in New Mexico, golfing, salmon fishing in Alaska and spending time with friends and family. The greatest sadness in his life was the unexpected death of his beloved wife, Dawn, in 1999. He continued living in Ruidoso until moving to Idaho in 2014.

Don was preceded in death by his wife, Dawn and brother, Reed Mathews. He is survived by his son, Michael Reed Mathews (Bobbe) of Eagle, ID, daughter, Mista Maureen Toth (Joe) of Boca Roton, FL, grandchildren, Royce Donald Mathews and Shelby Dawn Mathews of Eagle, ID.

Graveside service with military honors will be held on Friday, May 13, at 11:00 AM at Ruidoso-Hondo Valley Cemetery in Ruidoso Down, NM.