Donald Edward Mathews

Long time Gainesville resident Don Mathews passed away peacefully on September 26 in Gainesville with family at his side. He was born December 29, 1952, in Houston and grew up along the Gulf Coast and for several years in West Texas. He moved to Gainesville with his family in 1964. He graduated from Gainesville High School in 1971, and attended Texas Tech and East Texas State. Don had a 30-year career in the oilfield with Halliburton and retired in 2012. Don was also a member of First Baptist Church of Gainesville.

Don was an avid sportsman but was never happier than when fishing. He enjoyed fresh water angling in Texas and Colorado but was a dedicated saltwater fisherman and pursued that passion on the Gulf Coast, the Florida Keys, Baja Mexico, and the Pacific Ocean off California. He landed several prize redfish and was featured in Texas Salt Water Fishing Magazine.

Don was a quiet and gentle soul with a tender heart for animals and was known to take in cats and even a turtle that showed up at his door.

He was a devoted son, beloved brother and loving uncle. He was predeceased by his parents Bunco and Dorothea Mathews of Gainesville. He is survived by his brother Bob Mathews (Janis) of Dallas, sister Mary Mathews Kelly (John) of Walnut Creek, California, three nephews, one niece, three great-nieces, and four great-nephews, his longtime companion Suzanne Walker, and goddaughter Megan Moody Ramos.

His fishing legacy lives on in his cousins Pat and Walker Kelly of Southern California.

A private memorial is planned. Arrangements are under the care of Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home.  You may register your condolences at www.geojcarroll.com.

Donations in Don’s memory can be made to: Neemavillage.org , Rescue Center for babies in Tanzania; or mgi.global , Michael Gott, International Support for Ukraine.

Please place flower orders directly through a local florist.

https://www.geojcarroll.com/florists