Arlie Mathews

Arlie Linn Mathews quietly passed to the other side to join his wife of 73 years, Trecie, on February 27, 2022. He leaves a celebrated legacy of dedication to his faith, bravery in the face of an enemy, a passion for his work, and a longing to create. He was a farmer, a cowboy, a Navy man, and a maintenance supervisor. Most importantly he was a life-long companion to his wife, Trecie, and a dedicated brother, uncle, and friend to many.

Arlie was born on his mom and dad’s homestead in rural Beaver County, Oklahoma. They moved closer to Knowles, Oklahoma when he was one year old. In 1934 the family escaped the dust bowl and moved to Barber County, Kansas. There he worked for his dad, CD Mathews, and went to school in Attica and Sharon.

When he graduated from Sharon High School in 1938, he moved to Gunnison County, Colorado. There he joined his brother, Olen, working on ranches in the valley. He loved being a true cowboy but did not enjoy the cold winters. He moved back to Barber County just before World War II broke out. He decided to enlist in the U.S. Navy.  He met and married his one true love, Trecie, while state-side training for deployment. He trained in Chicago and Norfolk, Virginia. His first action was in North Africa. He also went ashore in the invasion of Sicily. He was then shipped to the Pacific Ocean and served in New Caledonia, The Philippines, and Okinawa.

After the war Arlie came back to his wife in Wichita, Kansas. There they found multiple avenues of service including the VA Hospital and Red Cross. Arlie balanced work with involvement in the VFW. There he was the major influence in the creation of the Air Capitol Gun Club. They both enjoyed going to Wichita State University games and had basketball season tickets.  His work career evolved to the maintenance supervisor for Cudahy Meat Packing. When this plant was shut down he was given several options if he wanted to continue with the company and he and Trecie chose the plant in Phoenix, Arizona.

He retired soon after the move to Tempe (a Phoenix suburb), but he was never fully retired. He lent his talents to his church and helped maintain it. He spent time in Mexico at a mission point there. He served meals on wheels to a majority of people who were younger than him. He loved to hunt and was a successful hunter in Kansas, Colorado, and Arizona, especially in retirement. He helped family and friends the best he could. His love of working in his shop produced wooden bowls, antler knives, and other creative gifts. He gave most away to family and friends, but it all had to pass by Trecie just in case she wanted to keep it.

Arlie is preceded in death by his parents, CD and Laura Mathews; his brothers, Olen, Les, Ed, Harvey, and Bob; his sisters, Elsie Klos, Etna Dunagan, and Ina Donaldson; plus several nieces and nephews.

“Arlie Linn Mathews will be missed by all, but fondly remembered.”

He is survived by his sister, Vera Maninger, and a host of nieces and nephews.

Viewing for Arlie Linn Mathews will be Saturday, March 5, 2022, 9:00 a.m. to 10:45 a.m. at Lanman Funeral Home, Inc. of Kiowa, Kansas. Graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Rosehill Cemetery near Hazelton, Kansas.   www.lanmanmemorials.com  Facebook:  Lanman Funeral Home Inc.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Operation Mexico Missions, P O Box 57979, Phoenix, Arizona 85079 or Hospitality House, 912 10th Street, Huntsville, Texas 77320.