Delmer Mathews

Delmer Mathews, age 85, of Florence went to his eternal rest on the morning of December 24, 2016.  Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 PM on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at Calvary Baptist Church in Killeen with burial following at the Garden of Memories Cemetery. Visitation will be from 5-7 PM on Wednesday at Scott's Funeral Home of Copperas Cove.

Delmer Ray Mathews was born in the family home in Trickham, Texas on July 19, 1931 the second child of Waymon and Della Mathews. He grew up in Coleman and Brown counties attending school primarily in Bangs. During his early life the family was involved in a number of ranching and farming activities, he developed a love for this type work that would continue his entire life. As a teenager he left home and worked on grain harvests throughout the Midwest.

He met Doris Oliver at Rocky Creek Baptist Church in Brownwood Texas in 1952. They became engaged while she was still in the 10th grade at Brownwood High School.  Following their engagement he enlisted in the Army and served in both Japan and Korea during the Korean War with the 1st Cavalry Division. Upon his return home, they were married on August 19th, 1954. Their first son, Ray, was born on June 12,1955 in Brownwood Texas.

In 1966 the family relocated to Central Texas where he would live for the remainder of his life eventually settling just outside Florence.   In 1970 Delmer and Doris adopted a second son, Chad, and in 1973 they adopted their third child, Greg.

For the majority of his adult life Delmer worked in the construction industry primarily as a foreman and superintendant in dirt work and paving operations. He was an avid outdoorsman enjoying hunting, fishing, farming, ranching, gardening and most outdoor activities.  In his later years he loved to camp in one of the many RV’s he and Doris owned traveling across the country attending blue grass festivals wherever they could be found.  For about 20 years beginning in the early 90’s the couple brought over 140 foster children into their home.

Delmer and Doris made regularly attending church a priority in their lives and encouraged all they met to do the same.  He was the “song leader” at Calvary Baptist Church of Killeen for many years and actively participated in many church activities all his life.

He was preceded in death by his parents and oldest son, Ray.

Delmer is survived by his wife of 62 years Doris Mathews; brother, Billy Mathews and wife, Clara of Georgetown; sisters, Mava Dell Brixey, of Hooker Oklahoma, Nina Martin of Blanket; sons Chad Mathews of Georgetown, Greg Mathews and wife, Charlotte of Temple; grandchildren, Sean Mathews and wife, Tonya, Chris Mathews and wife, Candy, Holly Mathews, Emma Mathews, Leah Mathews, Tyler McLean, Katie McLean; seven great grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.