Donald W. Mathews, 73, of rural Danville, went home to be with the Lord May 4th, 2023, at the Southeast Iowa Regional Health Center Hospice house.
Born June 19th, 1949, Donald was the son of Ralph E. and Vera I. Stevenson Mathews. Don was a graduate of Danville High School class of 1967. He also attended Burlington Junior College and Iowa State University. Don held those school relationships in very high regard throughout his life. From a young age Donald was deeply rooted in the Danville community. He helped on his parents’ farm and eventually took over management when his father passed. Recently the farm has been transferred to its fifth generation. Don was a founding member of the Des Moines County Corn Growers and the Danville Jaycees. Along the way he has been a member on the boards of the Des Moines County Pork Producers, the Des Moines County Farm Bureau, the Danville Mutual Telephone Company and Jaggar Cemetery. Don started No-till farming in 1979 and spent the rest of his life promoting the benefits of progressive farming. Conservation and providing for the next generation were always his top priority. Don started at the Iowa Army Ammunition Plant during the farm crisis and ended up staying for 25 years.
Hobbies largely took over after Don retired. He was a member of both 3 Rivers and Big Creek tractor clubs. He participated with numerous tractorcades and rides of all sizes across Eastern Iowa. Don was an avid presenter at Midwest Old Threshers, cherishing his participation in the parades and daily cavalcade of power. He was very much anticipating the 2023 reunion as Allis Chalmers is the featured tractor. Don was a near constant presence at Danville High School events and was especially devoted to boys and girls basketball. He took great pleasure in sharing his knowledge with the FFA chapter at school and had been a 4-H member himself. Most importantly Don delighted in the connections and friends he made everywhere he went.
Above all, Don loved his family. Don and Cindy were married in August of 1982 and together they raised Cora (Steve) Beltramea of Fairfield, Jessica (Justin) Boecker of Danville, and David (Alaina) Mathews of Danville. Don and Cindy have four grandchildren. Don always had his camera in hand, which has yielded a stockpile of memories to be shared for generations to come. He could fix just about anything, was a constant support and had patience as wide as the day is long. His vast knowledge, tight hugs and thumbs up are already greatly missed.
A joyous celebration of life for Don Mathews is planned for May 26th (5/26/23) from 3-6 pm at Elliott Chapel in New London, family will receive friends throughout. This date was picked specifically as no other seems more appropriate for one who so loved his Danville, Iowa (52623) community. The family would like to extend special thanks to Dr. Hadden and Danielle at Family Medicine, the ALS clinic at the University of Iowa, and the amazingly kind SEIRMC Hospice staff, especially his nurse Dawn.
Memorials have been established at some of Don’s favorite places: Danville Station, the FFA chapter or athletic department at school, and Jaggar Cemetery. Online condolences may be left at www.elliottfuneralchapel.com.