Samuel Edward Mathews

Samuel Edward Mathews
January 8, 1955, to December 19, 2023

Sam was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota and grew up in Mankato, Minnesota.
The first of seven children, he is survived by his mother Lois Mathews, Mankato, MN; his wife Carol (Smith Kutsch), Little Rock, AR; his daughter Rebecca Mathews (Manning Heng) and their children Evan and Marisa , Ontario; his son David, Ontario; and Carol's daughter, Laura Gentry (Robbie) and their children Weston and Steven, AR; Sisters: Kimberly Lee (Chris Forkey),SC; Eileen Mathews, NJ; Kathleen Mathews (Brad Turner), MN; Cynthia Mathews, MN; Susan Oji, MN and brother, Jeffrey (Candy), AZ. He also had many nieces and nephews around the country. Sam was preceded in death by his father, Dr. Wallace Mathews, October 2023.

He was diagnosed with Acute Myeloid Leukemia at the end of October and died at 68 less than two months later. We were hoping he could beat leukemia. If anyone could, it would be Sam sustained by his faith, positive outlook and sheer determination. But it was not meant to be. Although he continued to fight hard and never gave up, he lost his earthly battle, and we are left to mourn his passing.

Sam was a man of few words, and when he spoke, it was usually something worth hearing. Sam was well liked by teachers and fellow students alike. He got straight A's and was a tough act for his siblings to follow. He had the best laugh and when he laughed hard, the vein at the top of his forehead protruded. It seemed that Sam excelled at everything he did...sports, academics, and social things. He was captain of his high school football team and a leader in his class.
Sam graduated from Mankato High School (1973) and was a National Merit scholar. He obtained a Bachelor of Science in chemistry from Michigan State (1977) and a PhD in analytical chemistry from the University of Wisconsin-Madison (1982). He did a Postdoctoral fellowship in laboratory medicine at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis (1982-1984).

He started his career at the Johns Hopkins Medical laboratory. After setting up a Forensic Toxicology laboratory, his focus was on the field of toxicology. He was dedicated to his work and would accept nothing but the very best from himself.
Sam also worked at:
American Medical Laboratories, Chantilly, VA
and Orlando, FL
SmithKline/Beecham Clinical Laboratory, Leesburg, FL
Baptist Health Hospital, Little Rock, AR
At Baptist, he was director and RP (Responsible Person) of the Forensic Toxicology Laboratory for 22 years until his retirement in 2019. He then joined Pinpoint Testing LLC, Little Rock, AR, as a technical supervisor until his death in October 2023.

Sam was generous, patient, kind, humble and had an enthusiastic sense of humor and the best smile. He was a lovable smart nerd! He never forgave himself for missing the 64K question on "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire". He used his game show winnings to host his family in Little Rock. His peers often referred to him as the smartest person they knew! Consider yourself very fortunate if you were mentored by Sam!

He loved sports...Mostly watching after injuries sidelined his playing days! He was competitive. Never was it "just" a game! His best day was catching a game or video of his grandsons playing in a game. Hockey, football, baseball, basketball, golf and soccer, he enjoyed all of them. His memory was amazing. He remembered even the tiniest detail. He knew every sports statistic (as his son does). He often described the plays, statistics and history of teams before the commentators did. Very impressive.

Sam spent hours mastering every Sudoku. He studied strategies, learning how to solve even the most challenging puzzles and received a pile of Sudoku books (all different) while hospitalized. He enjoyed black jellybeans while he solved puzzles.

Sam often mentioned his dream of driving a Peterbilt semi cross country. Just him, his wife and dog by his side. However, his wife opted out, leaving just Sam and possibly his dog to plan shorter hauls! He assembled four intricate Peterbilt models and had various Peterbilt accessories. The grandkids really loved the clock that roared like a semi-truck with flashing lights and beeping horns!

He was a member of Henderson United Methodist Church and loved his church family. Sam was steadfast in his faith even during his most challenging times. Paraphrased from Sam's note to a church friend reflects the Sam we knew. Thank you for your kind message and thoughts. These Bible verses have been reassuring me for a long time.

Joshua 1:9 NIV "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Jeremiah 29:11 NIV "For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future."

We continued to be blessed by the prayers and support of our Henderson family and so many others...it's been a very uplifting but humbling experience, so much more than we could possibly ever be able to fully recognize, understand, earn or repay; just like so many of the blessings God offers His people...impossible to fully recognize or understand, and infinitely beyond any human ability to earn or repay. Thanks again for supporting us! We look forward to enjoying the warmth of your smiles soon, or at least once we're finally free from the bonds of this affliction and its restrictions. With all blessings, Sam & Carol

He often served on church committees, enjoyed taking Bible classes, and often led the Wesley Class's Bible study on Sundays. He could not resist corny jokes and would find just the right one to start the class. Whether listening to or singing, music was one of his pleasures. He would hum as an accompaniment to whatever he was doing...solving a Sudoku, watching a football game or surfing the web. Often, he did not realize that he was humming and said that humming made him happy! He enjoyed singing in the church choir on Sundays and for special events and cantatas. As a cast member of the production of "Two from Galilee" he added a bit of acting to his singing. He even planned to sing in a community choral production of Handel's Messiah until COVID shut it down just after a few rehearsals.

And of course, we dare not forget his love of his loyal companions...our Springer Spaniels. Whether he had one, two or three, he always found time for scratches, pats, ball and frisbee. And treats! Lots of treats! The dogs would wait at the door for him to come home from work, rushing him to be the first in line for his attention. At bedtime they would all find their favorite spot next to him on the bed. To say they were a joy in his life would be an understatement! Only Ivy is still with us. She waited patiently for him to come home from the hospital. But he did not, and she greatly misses him. There must have been a big celebration when Sam arrived at the Rainbow Bridge!

Although his mom and siblings wished he would call more often, he was not much of a talker. He thought he did not have anything interesting to talk about! He loved his family and cherished the times he was able to spend with them. He regularly skyped with Rebecca's family and Dave. His children always remained Sam's greatest pleasure in his life. Laura was a second daughter to Sam. Laura's dad requested that Sam walk with him and Laura down the aisle at her wedding. She was the only one of the trio not crying!

While Sam was hospitalized, we celebrated our 30th anniversary. During our life together we formed a lasting, loving bond. That day, we made a loving memory for us to share for years to come. Instead, it is a precious memory that I will cherish forever. I love and miss you, Sam. Thank you for sharing your love and life with me.

Our memories are treasures that will remain with us forever. We all love and miss you every day.

Please join us as we celebrate Sam's life.
Sunday afternoon, April 28th at 2:30

Henderson United Methodist Church,
13000 West Baseline Road
Little Rock, AR. 72210

Light refreshments will follow in the Life Center

Memorials may be made to:

Henderson United Methodist Church, Food Pantry
13000 West Baseline Road
Little Rock, AR 72210

Arkansas Paws in Prison
1302 Pike Avenue, Suite C
North Little Rock, AR 72114

https://doc.arkansas.gov/correction/paws-in-prison

Or to any Food Pantry or a Dog rescue and re-home