Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Vernal Mathews Obituary
He was preceded in death by mother, Willa Hudspeth; brothers, Edward Mathews and Larry Hudspeth; uncles, Harry E. and Vernal Smith.
Vernal is survived by his loving wife, Lennora of 44 years; sons, Michael (Kathy) Mathews of Houston, TX, Mark (Angela) of Athens, OH; grandchildren, Mikayla, Mariah, Zachary, Bryan, Dustin; brothers, Earl (Lenora) Barry of Toledo and John D. (Harriett) Hudspeth Jr.; aunt, Wertha Dugger-Smith and a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.
Visitation will be Thursday 4-6 p.m., wake services 6-8 p.m. with Masonic Rites at 7 p.m. by Amazon Lodge #4 at Dale-Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral service will be Friday 11 a.m. at Gesu Catholic Church. Father Marty Lukas, Officiant. Interment Resurrection Cemetery.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Vernal Mathews
Kathy Mathews
September 19, 2005
My Father-In-Law:
You have taught me a great deal about patience, although you never had to say a word. I have quietly watched you over the years adore and support your boys and your grandchildren, and I hope to do half the job that you did with both. I have a long way to go, but I will do my best to take care of the people that meant the most to you. What I learned most from you, though, is that blood doesn't take the place of love and acceptance....of the people that we call family. Thank you for being my children's grandfather and for being the backbone of our family. Save a seat for us in Heaven!
Kathy
Margaret Lemons-Burgess
September 13, 2005
To the Family:
I am deeply saddened at the loss of Vernal, and I will forever cherish the endless hours of fun we had while growing up -- from Pinewood to Palmwood Avenue in Toledo. He was a "Super Role Model" for young men to emulate, and his charity will remain for all to remember!
Nellie Lemons
September 13, 2005
To Lenora and the Mathews Family,
The end of a wonderful friendship has saddly come to an end -- 70 years. Thank you for inviting me into your home, as I shall always cherish your gracious hospitality. I am certain, Vernal is in the wonderful presence of our Lord and Saviour!
Margaret Mitchell-Tribune
September 13, 2005
Lenora and Family,
My prayers are with all of you in the loss of such a wonderful person I have known for 70 years. Vernal was a part of our family (Nellie, Richard & Margaret Lemons). May God continue to bless and keep each of you.
Nikki Zapata
September 10, 2005
Mr. Mathews, Bill & I were so sorry to hear about your dad. I know how close you were to him. You & your family are in our prayers. Please let us know if y'all need anything.
Owen & Sue LeMaster
September 9, 2005
Mark, Angie & Zachary,
Mark,
You have lost a dad, a true friend, and one that I know you treasured; but you must keep the fond memories of your childhood alive and share them with Zachary. I can see the values and morals of Vernal as you work & play with Zach. We love you and will always appreciate you ! Sue & Owen
Zachary,
Grandpa Mathews has been a great example to follow. Always remember the good times you had together! We love you--Mamaw & Bepaw
Angie,
Your life has been so fulfilled by being a part of the Mathews family. Cherish the memories and morals of Vernal. We love you and your family so much and will remember them in our prayers. Love, Mom & Dad
Owen & Sue LeMaster
September 9, 2005
The Mathews Family,
Althought you will no longer be able to share your life will Vernal here, you can always remember the strong example he set before you. His values and morals must carry on through you. Our life has been truly blessed by having the opportunity to share families with the Mathews. May God protect each one of you. We love you!
Harold Thomas 33rd
September 8, 2005
Sorry to hear about my friend God knows what is best . I will always remeber him as a old buddy
Harold T Thomas PM Composite Lodge #108
james davis
September 8, 2005
May God bless you and your family.We love you James and Wilma Davis.
Richard D Lemons
September 8, 2005
A true friend and Brother from Pinewood to Palmwood, and continuing forever as I traveled around the world. This man was a symbol of true "Charity" for all he came in contact with. My Brother!
Jerdine "Jeri" Williams
September 8, 2005
Micheal,
May God continue to Bless you and your family. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Christopher Knee
September 8, 2005
Lenny, Mike and Mark....my prayers go out to you and your family. Your family has meant so much to me over the past 30 years. You have always been there for my family and I hope that it will continue on for many years to come. I remember the many weekends that I spent at your house and the wonderful trip that we took to the worlds fair. Those memories will always be with me. Once again, your family will be in my prayers as Vernal prepares to be with our Holy Father.
Lottie Sherife-Kekulah
September 8, 2005
Lennie and Earl,
I'm very sorry and sadden by your loss. My family sends our prayers and love.
Sincerely,
Lottie (Cookie)
Don Ganthier
September 8, 2005
Mrs. Mathews, Mark, Mike, & Families,
The Mathews family is in our thoughts & prayers. I am blessed that my childhood holds such warm memories of your family. As an adult I am thankful for & respectful of the stable, loving, & nurturing environment Mr. & Mrs. Mathews have always exemplified. Almost 1/2 a century of marriage says it all. It is part of the foundation that makes us the adults we are today. We will remember Mr. Mathews fondly.
Don, Becky, Nick, & Noa Ganthier
Shauna Morris
September 8, 2005
Lennora, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this difficult time. Vernal was always so kind to me. He will be truly missed.
Janis Sneed Deahl
September 8, 2005
Earl,
With deepest sympathy. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Shauna
September 8, 2005
Mark,Angie and Zachary I am so sorry for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Carlos Cruz
September 7, 2005
Prayers and condolences to you Mike and your family.
Prayers and love
Cruz.
Kathy Mathews
September 7, 2005
Grandpa, we will miss you much and think of you often.
BJ, Dustin, Mikayla and Mariah
Mike and Kathy Mathews
Abdullahi Bin-Yahya
September 7, 2005
Earl,
With sympathy and fond memories from growing up in the 400 block of Pinewood Avenue.
Showing 1 - 21 of 21 results
Make a Donation
in Vernal Mathews's name
Memorial Events
for Vernal Mathews
How to support Vernal's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Vernal Mathews's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
