Walter Robert "Bob" Mathews, Sr.

MSgt. Walter Robert "Bob" Mathews Sr. USAF Retired, age 93, passed away on Wednesday, August 3, 2022 at Rosecrest Retirement Community in Inman, South Carolina.  

Born in Takoma Park, Maryland on August 22, 1928, he was the son of the late Gertrude Wilhelmina (Sangren) Mathews and Fayette George Mathews.  He was the loving husband of Betty Jean (Collins) Mathews having celebrated 70+ years of marriage.

Bob retired from the USAF after 20 years of service.  For the next 47 years, he worked and retired as a machinist, mechanic, and jack of all trades.  He moved to Campobello to live with Bob Jr., Jill and Becky in 2014 and found that he enjoyed full retirement!

He is survived by one son, Walter Robert "Bob" Mathews Jr. and his wife Jill of Campobello, South Carolina; two daughters, Brenda Lyd Athanas and her husband Michael of Silver Spring, Maryland and Belinda Fay "Bee" Banaszak and her husband Rob of Warsaw, Missouri;  eight grandchildren, Ryan David Mathews (Stephanie), Rebecca Lyn Mathews, Robert Richard Mathews (Eirene), Keri Anne Trulsen (Chris), Michael Mathew Athanas (Myra), Rodney Lee Newkirk (Sarah), Robby Lee Newkirk (Angel) and Kimberlee Rae Mathews; fourteen great grandchildren, Tyler Mathews, Nolan Mathews, Dylan Mathews, Audrey Mathews, Nathalie Athanas, Gabriella Athanas, Logan Athanas, Thaddeus Trulsen, Krista Newkirk, Noah Newkirk, Zachary Salter, Kaleb Labar, Lillee Mathews and John Lefevre and one great-great grandchild, Avery Newkirk.

In addition to his parents and his wife, he was  predeceased by one son, Wayne "Buddy" Steven Mathews and two sisters, Dorothy Benner and Lois Browning.  

A celebration of his life service will be held on Sunday, August 21, 2022 at 1:00 PM at Seawright Funeral Home in Inman, South Carolina with Military Honors by the Inman Post 45 American Legion.  Burial will be in Arlington National Cemetery.  

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to:  Inman Post 45 American Legion, PO Box 627, Inman, South Carolina 29349.