PHILLIP “PAUL” MATHEWS
Phillip “Paul” Mathews, 98, passed away peacefully in his daughter’s home surrounded by loved ones on Saturday, December 3, 2022, in Liberty. He was born the eldest son to Farrell and Mary Burch Mathews in Metamora, on February 21, 1924.
He was the brother of George (1926 – 1984), Gene (1929 – 1972), Donald (1933 – 2017), and Chris (1936 – 1998). On July 26, 1938, Phillip and his family suffered the tragic loss of their mother, Mary, who was just 38 years old. The loss of his mother would remain with him for all of his days, and he would fondly remember her and share stories about her for all of his life.
Phillip’s family would later grow again with the arrival of two half brothers, Charles (1940 – 2020) and Everett Mathews (b. 1945) who still survives.
Growing up in rural Indiana, Phillip’s family moved around a lot, yet he was active and greatly enjoyed working on area farms. He was born with a green thumb and an appreciation for animals, so his farming experiences suited him well.
When Phil was 18, he joined the United States Navy. He proudly served his country from 1942 to 1946 during WWII. He served in both the Atlantic and Pacific theaters during the WWII. He was a gunner’s mate on the Liberty ship convoys, when Germany surrendered, they shipped him west to Guam. His ship was used as a Radar Pickett ship. It was hit by kamikaze attack during Okinawa invasion. After that, he spent time in Japan sweeping mines and blowing them up till he was discharged in 46.
While stationed in Massachusetts, he met the love of his life, Elsie Christine Williams. In 1946, the couple married, and he moved Elsie to Indiana, where they welcomed their first son, Thomas Paul Mathews. Phil and Elsie moved back to Massachusetts where they welcomed two more sons, Frederick James and Michael Warren Mathews. After living and working in Massachusetts for a few years, they moved back to Indiana. It is here where they welcomed their first daughter, Paula Christine. She was followed by another son, Robert Farrell, and a second daughter, Karen Ann. Due to the creation of the Brookville Reservoir, the family was forced to move to the quaint village of Brownsville, where the family would permanently settle. In 1971, they welcomed their youngest child and surprise blessing, Amy Jo.
Phillip was a hard worker who was steadily employed. He retired from the Ford Motor Company in 1988.
Phillip was a loving son, husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather. He was a true family patriarch, a quiet, steady force, who embraced the chaos that a large family can create. In his family’s eyes, never was there ever a more generous man. He had a tender heart that felt deeply. He enjoyed gardening, knife collecting, whittling and carpentry. Over the years, he created countless treasures of delicate wood work for his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with his scroll saw as well as beautiful furniture pieces. He always had a story to share, and his shoulder shrug and chuckle will be greatly missed by all that loved him.
In 1992, after 46 years of marriage, Elsie passed away from pancreatic cancer. Phillip mourned his beloved wife for 30 years. He is also preceded in death by his parents, brothers, stepmother, Lizzie M. Metcalf Mathews (1918 – 1989), sons Tommy (1947 – 2021) and Fred (1950 – 2010), daughter Paula (1954 – 2018), and his great-grandson, David Tyler Heckman (2000).
Phillip is survived by his brother, Everett Mathews of Connersville, his sons Michael of Richmond, Bob of Brownsville, his daughters Karen (Terry) Snodgrass of Liberty, and Amy Jo (Michael) Bass of Tennessee. He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, 13 great-great grandchildren, several nieces and nephews, plus his special dog, Hot Dog. All will miss him greatly.
A funeral service will be conducted at 2 p.m, Monday, December 12, 2022, at Showalter Blackwell Long, Fosdick Chapel. Friends may visit at the funeral home from 12 p.m. until the time of service. Burial will follow at Maple Grove Cemetery.