Donald R. Mathews, 84, passed away Sunday, Jan. 17, 2016, at Green Hills Health Care Center in Ames.
Don was a dedicated educator and taught social studies in Bethany, Ill., Bettendorf, Iowa, and then at Perry Community High School from 1967 until his retirement in 1988. He was committed to fostering critical thinking and had high expectations for his students.
Don and Joan shared a commitment to helping others and fostering world harmony through participation in such organizations as Habitat for Humanity, Friendship Force International and the United Nations Association. After retirement, he loved international travel and meeting people of other cultures. Don was an environmentalist his whole life and loved gardening, camping, hiking and canoeing.
He is survived by Joan, his wife of 60 years; children, Kathy (Ed) and David (Pat); eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; and brothers Robert (Pat), Alan (Sandy) and Steven (Janet).
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Edna Mathews; and brother, Howard Mathews.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 23 at the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames, 1015 N. Hyland Ave. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to the Unitarian Universalist Fellowship of Ames or the Iowa Natural Heritage Foundation.
“Don’s family would like to sincerely thank Dr. Larry Otteman, the nurses and staff on the oncology floor at the Mary Greeley Medical Center and the staff at the Green Hills Health Care Center for the exceptional care and support they provided throughout the final years of Don’s life.”
Online condolences may be directed to: www.grandonfuneralandcremationcare.com.
