David Andrew Mathewes

David Andrew Mathewes, Jr. 94 passed away in Canton, NC on October 22, 2025. He was born in Gastonia, NC Sept 22,1931 the son of David Andrew Mathewes and Catherine Menzies Mathewes and grew up in Hickory. He earned degrees from Davidson College (BS), University of Kansas (MS), and Duke University (PhD). He was a professor of chemistry at Western Carolina University for 24 years. He was a member of the American Chemical Society, Royal Society of Chemistry, and Sigma Xi, scientific research honor society.

While a visiting professor for a year at the University of Stirling in Stirling, Scotland, he became active in many Scottish cultural activities and enjoyed dancing with the Asheville Scottish Country Dancers. He was honorary Vice President for the Clan Menzies Society in Scotland and Convener/Commissioner for Clan Menzies Society, North America. He was an accomplished photographer and loved to travel with his wife of 68 years. He loved the outdoors and was a seasonal ranger on the Blue Ridge Parkway. As the father of a son and three daughters, Dave was active in both Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts of America.

Dave was active in the Episcopal Church as a licensed lay reader for 50 years, serving on the vestry for St. David’s Episcopal Church, Cullowhee and St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Canton.

He is survived by his wife, Margaret Woodward Mathewes; his four children, Frances Miller (Keith), Katherine (Kate) Mathewes, Charles [Perry] Mathewes (Melanie), and Sarah Russell; his sister Sarah [Sally] Mathewes Jane; five grandchildren, Alia Russell, Leigh Mathewes (Alex Dixon), Boothby Russell, Grace Miller (A.J. Aroche), and Clare Mathewes (Jordan Blosl); 3 great grandchildren Zaire,Aiden and Adalyn.

A celebration of life is scheduled at St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church Canton, NC on Nov 22 at 10:30 AM. The family wishes to thank Haywood Hospice and the many caregivers who helped David in his final years. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Davidson College, Haywood Hospice or Clan Menzies Society USA.

Wells Funeral Home of Canton is honored to be serving David Matthews's family. Condolences may be offered to the family under her obituary at www.Wellsfuneralhome.com.