Ervin Eugene Mathews

Ervin Eugene Mathews, 96 of Arco, Idaho passed away Sunday April 23, 2017, in Rigby, Idaho, at home in the arms of his family. Ervin was born February 1, 1921 in Shelley, Idaho to Earl Alexander and Alta Jane Jones Mathews. He was raised and attended school in Salmon, Idaho, and later moved to Ogden, Utah. In 1939 He joined the US Navy and served in World War II as a gunner on a destroyer escort. When he returned home he met and married the love of his life Verna Hess Mathews on October 19, 1944 in Elko, Nevada. Ervin and Verna then moved to Arco, Idaho and made that their permanent home where they raised two sons Douglas Eugene Mathews and James Earl Mathews. Ervin was an Ironworker with the Ironworkers Union and worked and the INL, Twin Falls Bridge, Teton Dam, and many other places. Ervin was a member of the Atom Busters Riding Club as well as the Lost River Chariot Racing Association where he went on to win World Wide Championships. Ervin loved horses, fishing, camping, hunting, and snowmobiling. He was a handy man and loved to be in his barn fixing and making things which was his special talent. He could just picture things in his mind and in no time he would have it built. Ervin had the gift of gab and his family will miss his stories, his poems, and his sense of humor. Ervin is survived by his son James Earl Mathews, his granddaughters Rachelle Mathews, Rigby, Idaho, Stephanie Mathews, Craig, Colorado, his daughter in law Margaret Noble Mathews, Rigby, Idaho, and his greatgrandchildren Kelsie, Brett, Jill, Amber Richards, Ryeker Reay, and Jonnie Kawcak. He was preceded in death by his parents Earl and Alta Mathews, his wife Verna Hess Mathews, his brother Seth James Mathews, his son Douglas Eugene Mathews, his granddaughter Brenda Lee Richards, and a great granddaughter Amy Rachelle Richards. A private family service was held in his honor.