William LeRoy Mathews , 95, of Columbia City, passed away at Story Pointe West, Fort Wayne at 1:15 p.m. Friday April 5, 2024.

Born on July 27, 1928, in New Castles, Pennsylvania, he was a son of the late LeRoy and Marie (Hammond) Mathews.  Growing up in Hammond, Indiana, he graduated from Hammond Tech High School in 1946.

He married Barbara I. Crowe on April 22, 1950, beginning their 73-year journey together.

He enlisted in the U.S. Army.  After his first tour of duty, he decided to make the Army his career.  Rising through the enlisted ranks to the top, he became a Command Sergeant Major.  Serving post in Europe, Asia, and the United States he also served in the Korean and Vietnam Wars.  Calling his home base Fort Sill, Oklahoma, he was honorably discharged on February 28, 1970, with 22 years and seven months of service.  During his distinguished service, he was awarded the Army Commendation Medal with Second Oak Leaf Cluster.

After his military retirement, he joined the Parker Pen Company in Janesville, WI, where he worked until 1981, retiring with 11 years of service. Moving to Spring Hill, FL, he kept busy doing property maintenance, pool cleaning, and enjoying the Florida sunshine. In 2003, he moved to Kenosha, WI, to be closer to family and then to Columbia City.

Residing in Florida, he and his wife took frequent ocean cruises, he also liked hunting and fishing.  He loved to spoil his constant companion a Bierwer Yorkie named Sonny and later Molly.  He belonged to the Schafer Memorial All-American VFW post 10209, Spring Hill, FL.

He is survived by his beloved wife Barbara; children, Betsy (Michael) Brown of Monroe, WI, Bonnie Baird of Brookland, AR, and Eddie (Theresa) Mathews of Columbia City, 12 grandchildren, eleven great-grandchildren, sister Kay (Roger) Ernsberger of South Bend, Ann (Doug) Heller of Springboro, OH; and a brother Carl (Laura) Mathews of Phoenix, AZ.

Additionally, he was preceded in death by his children, William, Mark, Ben, and Marie Mathews; a sister, Katherine Arrona; brother, Thomas Mathews; a stepmother, Alberta Mathews; and a granddaughter, Elizabeth Brown Westgard.

A Memorial Gathering will be held at StoryPoint West, 611 W County Line Rd S, Fort Wayne IN at 1:00 pm on Thursday, April 11th.

William will be interred at the Arlington National Cemetery in Washington, D.C., at a later date.  Arrangements are in the care of Smith & Sons Funeral Home, Columbia City.

The family would like to thank the staff of StoryPoint West and Elos Hospice for their compassionate care.