John Everett Mathews

John E. Mathews,

John Everett Mathews, born on July 4, 1930, in Cuba, New York, passed away peacefully on Thursday, January 1, 2026, at Baylor Scott and White Hospital in Temple, Texas. He was 95 years old at the time of his passing. John led a life characterized by dedication, love, and a spirit of service that resonated deeply with all who knew him.

John's early years were spent working diligently on his family’s farm near Mayville, New York, where he developed a strong work ethic that carried him throughout his life. Following his time on the farm, he worked in various roles at his father’s bakery and at local furniture companies before being inducted into the military. In addition to his role as a pilot, he served in additional military leadership roles as he and his family were stationed in many different places, beginning in San Antonio, Texas. The family lived in Louisiana, Japan, Georgia, Indiana, Panama, Virginia and finally, Central Texas.

During his second career, after retirement from the military, his professionalism and skills were notably recognized during a 20-year tenure with the Sears Service Center in Austin, where he attained a supervisory role to the repairmen and became director of the Parts Department for a number of years. He developed friendships with many of those working for him in the Parts Department and those repairmen in the field.

Getting an education was important to John, and he graduated from Mayville Central High School, where he fostered many friendships that would follow him throughout his life. He attended college briefly but took the path to the military to continue his education and become a pilot.

John was known for his engaging nature; he made friends easily and was often characterized by his lighthearted teasing and outgoing personality. Those who had the pleasure of knowing him will remember him fondly for his ability to fix almost anything that needed repair and for his sense of humor and his relationship with his grandchildren. He enjoyed “stealing” his grandchildren’s noses with his fingers. He loved spending special time entertaining his grandkids on the Sears tractor he had for tending the garden and beautiful yard at their home south of Austin.

John cherished his family above all, having met the love of his life, Agatha Marie (Fulmer) Mathews, at the Coburn Corners Church of Christ in St. Joe, Indiana. Their 70 years of marriage were a partnership built on love and mutual support, particularly during John's military career. Together, they constructed a nurturing family environment where their three children, Mark and his wife Floann Chapman, Deb Mathews-Budet and her husband Eduardo Budet, and Pam Mathews and her husband Randall Moore, thrived.

He was immensely proud of his grandchildren: Wesley Mathews, Madison Mathews, Sumner Dreher, Audrey Moore, Nathan Moore, and Regina Budet-Cerda. John enjoyed sharing his passions with them, whether it was playing his baritone or cornet, working on his computer, or relishing ice cream stops on a pick-up at school. He was an avid reader of history throughout his adult life, especially American military history. Over his many years of travel abroad, he would return with currency from around the globe that his son kept together in an ongoing collection. Because his experience as a pilot was primarily in flying two types of aircraft, he collected models of each, displayed prominently in his home, along with a modest framed presentation of his military medals and rank.

John faced health difficulties due to exposure to Agent Orange during his military service in Vietnam, a reality that he approached with dignity and resilience. He was proud of his time in the military and valued the travels that accompanied his service, along with the unwavering support of his beloved wife, Marie.

During his time in the U.S. Air Force, he received many military honors; the Distinguished Flying Cross (recognizing his acts of heroism & extraordinary actions in aerial flight), the USAF Distinguished Service Medal (for distinguished and exceptionally meritorious service to the United States), the USAF Air Medal (for acts of military heroism during aerial flight), the USAF Commendation Medal (for sustained acts of meritorious service), the Combat Readiness Medal, the USAF Good Conduct Medal, the Army Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Medal, the Korean Service Medal, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Force Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the USAF Reserve Medal, the RVN Gall Cross Medal, the UN Korean Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the ROK War Service Medal, along with a number of other military campaign ribbons and medals. Many of his medals were awarded to him more than once and acknowledged with oak leaf clusters & star emblems.

He also had his command pilot wings and held the rank of Major.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Everett Stanley Mathews and Florence Mathews; his brother, James Mathews; and his sister, Jean Potter. John leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and treasured memories that will be remembered by all who were fortunate to have known him.

A special thank you to the staff on the 7th floor at the Baylor Scott and White North Tower, and especially Alesa the attendant for her compassionate care.

In addition, the family would like to thank Betsy Hurley, the nurse & caregiver that has provided excellent care and admiration, for both John & Marie, over the last 20+ months. She continues to provide care for Marie in their home in Temple.

A graveside service will be held on Saturday, January 10, 2026, at Hillcrest Cemetery in Temple at 10:00 AM, with Rev. William Sterling officiating. John Everett Mathews will be dearly missed, but his spirit will certainly live on in the hearts of his family and friends.

In lieu of flowers please consider making a memorial donation to Wounded Warrior Project, the USO, St. Jude’s Children's Hospital, the ASPCA, or consider planting a tree in honor of Mr. Mathews.

Arrangements are made under the direction of Sabrina Young at Young's Daughters Funeral Home & Bereavement Center.