Vernon D. “Speck” Mathews, 91, of Galesburg, died at 4:22 p.m. on Tuesday, August 15, 2017 at home.
He was born July 18, 1926, in Salem Township, the son of Robert Cyrus and Edna Lavinia (Suydam) Mathews. He married Helen McCoy in Delong. He later married Ramona Torrance on May 1, 1976. She preceded him in death February 28, 2011.
He is survived by his children, Melvin (Donna) Mathews of Gilson; Paul (Ginger) Mathews of Desoto, Missouri; Roger Tharp of Palos Heights; Rita (Marty) Smith of Abingdon; Diana Hallstrom of Galesburg; Pamela (Billy) Jump of Canton; and Debra (Jeff) Oelberg of Wataga, Illinois; 16 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; two great great grandchildren; and a sister, Jean (Tip) Bowers, of Yates City. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents; stepmother, Dorothy Mathews; two brothers, Robert Mathews Jr. and James Mathews; and a grandson, Marcus Wagner.
Speck was a truck driver for Burlington Truck Lines for 34 years. He also was a tractor mechanic for Yates City Implement Company for four years. He graduated from Haw Creek Township High School in 1944. He was a member of the El Bon Shrine. Speck was a member of the Pacific Masonic Lodge #66. He was devoted father, grandfather and friend who cherished his time and conversations with others.
Speck served in the United States Army for two years at Fort McClellan, Alabama and Camp Campbell, Kentucky during WWII. He was a member of the Knoxville American Legion Post #749.
Masonic Rites will be 4:30 p.m. Friday, August 18, 2017 at Hinchliff-Pearson-West Galesburg Chapel. Visitation will be 5:00 to 7:00 pm Friday. Funeral will be 11:30 am Saturday at the chapel with Rev. Jeremiah Barker officiating. Burial will be in Raritan Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorial contributions may be made to Shriners Children Hospital or Galesburg Rescue Mission. Online condolences may be made at www.h-p-w.com.
