Howard Oliver Mathews, Sr.

Howard O. Mathews Sr., 83, of Vidor died Wednesday, February 23, 2005 at his residence in Vidor. A native of Riderwood, AL, he resided in Vidor since 1971. Howard was retired from Local Union 479 and a member of I.B.E.W. for 53 years. He was a member of Disabled American Veterans, The Green Dragons WW II, Four Stack APD Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and USA Boxing. He served on the U.S.S. McKean during WW II in the U.S. Navy. He carried loads of Marines to Bouganville, in the Soloman Islands, his ship was hit by a torpedo dropped from a enemy plane on 11-17-1943 were he was injured with shrapnel and burned with oil covering the water. He recieved a Purple Heart for his injuries. Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, February 26, 2005 at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor, with burial to follow at Restlawn Memorial Park in Vidor. Visitation will begin at 6:00 p.m. Friday, February 25, 2005 at Memorial Funeral Home. Howard is survived by his sons: Howard O. Mathews Jr., of Vidor, TX, Michael Mathews of Vidor, TX, James Mathews of Beaumont, TX, daughter: Jan Burge of Vidor, TX, 9 grandchildren and 19 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his brother: Calvin Commadore Mathews Jr.

Cemetery:
Restlawn Memorial Park 2725 N. Main St. Vidor, TX 77662 (map/driving directions)

Visitation:
6:00 PM to 10:00 PM at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy Vidor, TX on February 25, 2005 (map/driving directions) Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy Vidor, TX (map/driving directions)

Service:
2:00 PM at Memorial funeral Home of Vidor 1750 Hwy 12 Vidor, TX 77662 on February 26, 2005 (map/driving directions)