Jerry Wayne Mathews, 75, of De Leon, peacefully left this world Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at his home. He was born August 29, 1951, in Lamesa, Texas to Garvin Mathews and Madel Teague Mathews Isbell. He married Carla D’sha Sadberry December 3, 1977 in De Leon, Texas.
Jerry grew up in Gorman, Texas and graduated from Gorman High School in 1969. Shortly after graduating high school, he served proudly and honorably in the United States Army, with the 2nd 11th Armored Cav Division in Vietnam. He loved the outdoors and was a true marksman with any riffle and especially impressive with open sights. He loved to go camping with his family and friends. He was a jack of all trades and could build just about anything with just about nothing, which he loved to do with his grandchildren. He was a strong and determined man, and a stage 4 lung cancer survivor. People that knew him knew that he was a hard, tough man due to the era he was raised in and his experiences at war. But when needed, Jerry could become a gentle and understanding man and someone that anyone could call upon to talk to or ask for help or advice and he would always be there. To be as ornery as he was you could truly count your blessings if you were able to call him friend or family.
He is survived by and leaves behind a very proud legacy in his family: Loving wife of 48 years, Carla; son, Josh Mathews (Whitney); daughters, Makenzie Mathews and Terra Mathews; grandchildren, Dawson Mathews, Maci (Cash Bowen), Collin Mathews, Connor Mathews, Karsyn Mathews; and great grandson, Walker Neal Bowen; sister, Alma Taylor; and other extended nieces, nephews, family members, and friends.
