Howard McNeil "Mac" Mathews

Howard McNeil Mathews, “Mac,” age 85, left this world peacefully on March 26, 2021. He was born to Donald Melvin Mathews and Helen Catherine Braithwaite on April 9, 1935.

Mac grew up in Cedar City, where he met the love of his life, Bonnie Valene Adams, “Val.” They were sealed for eternity on August 13, 1955 in the St. George temple. They eventually settled in Mapleton with their eight children: Vicki Andrus, Patrice Bolen, JaNeal Newton, LeAnn Jensen, Andrea Jenkins, Darren Mathews, Drew Mathews and Shawn Mathews. Val preceded him in death on October 12, 1990. He was blessed with 36 grandchildren, 55 great-grandchildren.  He then married Sharon Wheeler Davis and later divorced. He loved his stepchildren and their children as his own. His sister, Mary Ellen Harter, also survives him.

Mac was a great storyteller and made up many stories to his children’s delight. He also favored them with stories of his youth. He loved watching his children and grandchildren compete in sports and was an avid BYU fan. He worked a variety jobs throughout his life and had an impeccable memory. He could name a surprising amount of households around the Springville-Mapleton area from his time working for the post office.

He was easy to love, quick to forgive and willing to help anyone in need.  Several Christmases were spent in Mexico with his family, helping those in need and teaching his children to sacrifice and serve.

He served in numerous callings for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He especially loved missionary work and his home teaching families and companions.

He had a great sense of humor and imagination. If there was anything that needed to be rigged, he could do it with duct tape, much to everyone’s amusement.  Those that knew Mac, also knew of his love for Volkswagen buses. He modified the buses to accommodate and sleep 10 people and the dog. He always strapped the Honda 50cc to the back in case they needed to go for help. His children remember vacations as legendary quests.

Mac was a person of faith that is loved, missed, and never to be forgotten.

There will be a private visitation with his children on Monday, March 29, from 7 to 8 p.m., at the Hobble Creek Stake Center, located at 495 South Canyon Road, Springville, UT.