Samuel Edward Mathews

Sam and his grandson Steven Matthews Gentry.
His wife's daughter Laura named her second son Steven after her Dad and Matthews for Sam.

I worked with Sam for several years at PinPoint. He was one the most truly kind people I have ever met. While I did not get to spend much time with him in person as I live out of state, we shared an easy banter and I found endless entertainment in his silly "dad jokes" and his effusive love of Thanksgiving turkey. I think he sought out the most ridiculous and absurd jokes he could just so we could share a laugh together. He was a good man with a huge heart and his presence is missed dearly amongst our team.

Carol, I still can't believe Sam is gone. He was such a sweet, gentle man. I remember those corny jokes in Sunday school and his sweet smile. I know you him terribly as we all do.

From our first meeting in 2nd grade, Sam and I became fast friends. He and I spent many hours riding bikes around the Hilltop area of Mankato, exploring various storm drains (our Tom Sawyer phase), camping out, tossing baseballs and footballs around in the Mathews back yard.
I recall with great fondness the constant energy and noise in the Mathews home with Sam's six siblings. Jeff, Kim, Eileen, Kathleen, Cindy and Susie...I remember each of you. And Lois, so patient, thank you for keeping an eye on me during my undisciplined years.

Sam was brilliant, we all knew it. However, behind his facade of good manners, thoughtful disposition and few words...Sam had a hidden streak of mischievousness. One story that has stuck with me occurred when we were 8 or 9 years old. Sam's parents treated Sam and me to a birthday ( Sam's) dinner at the Colony Club. On the way home, with us guys in the back seat of the Mathews station wagon, Sam began to deploy one of his god-given talents. You see, Sam could "pass wind" anytime he wanted to. So cool! Of course, nothing else is funnier to us little boys than repeated demonstrations that were not silent. Our laughter only got louder...Sam's talent was egged on. Unsurprisingly, Sam was warned and eventually grounded, as I recall. Not always the angel!

Apparently, Sam still had a lot of "little boy" still in him later in life...see Carol's comments about the Peterbuilt trucks. To me, this little known side of this incredibly well educated, sophisticated man provides insight to Sam's humility and authenticity. Never pretentious or self indulgent.

Carol...I corresponded with Sam infrequently after high school. When we did connect, his love and devotion to family was quite evident. You and the family kept him quite happy.

Due to a conflict, I will be unable to attend the service later this month. I wish it wasn't so as I would love to meet you, Carol, your family and renew connections with Sam's siblings and Lois.

Condolences,

Patrick McCarthy

I knew Sam through Carol, he was such a sweet and kind, generous Godly man. I knew them through Henderson United Methodist Church and became close to Carol, more than a friend to me. I went through a trying time and I would say they both as a couple were there for my kids and I and I included Sam in that , he was so generous in the fact he didn´t hesitate or complain about when I needed her in person or on the phone. He didn´t mind my kids coming by them for a while and hang out or me spending time at their house because I needed to not be alone. He would come along with Carol to my kids birthday parties. I could go on . He just had such a lot of fruit of the spirit.

I was a classmate, a fellow scientist, and a friend of Sam´s. We kept in touch off and on during our academic pursuits and careers. It was great to read this obituary of his personality, I guess I filled the role of listening to him vent about the professional problems of research and academics. We traded jokes and tales, consoled each other about academic politics and offered advice we felt the other would hear. He was a treasured friend and I always enjoyed our correspondence. I know he loved his wife and children dearly, he will be missed by all those whose lives he touched.

I was a high school classmate of Sam´s. It sounds like he didn´t change much. I remember the kind person you describe, with a smile on his face and always considered the smartest person in the room.
You have my deepest sympathy for your loss. He will be missed by all that knew him.

This is a lovely tribute to this man you shared your life with, Carol. Such a gift!