MATHEWS, Michael Lee

Michael Lee Mathews May 30, 1953 – Dec 2, 2016 Born in Omaha, Nebraska, Mike Mathews was a father, husband, brother, grandfather, and friend to many people. When he and Deb were married in 1971, they didn’t have much, but Mike worked hard to create a good life for his family, which grew to include three sons. Although he spent countless hours building and sustaining a successful construction business, he always managed to make a lot of time for his family. Mike and Deb were in their early teens when they met and began dating. It was Deb’s mother, Mary Roth, who nurtured and mentored the young couple in the early years of their marriage. Mary’s and Mike’s relationship was very nearly that of mother and son, and both Mike and Deb credit much of the success of their marriage to Mary’s guidance and support. It was important to Mike that his sons learn about work and being responsible, and eventually they all worked together in the family business, not always agreeing but always getting along. They worked well together and were also able to separate work from their personal lives. Mike enjoyed many activities, including boating, music, and traveling with his wife, Deb, kids, grandkids, and friends. Mike’s love for music evolved into his playing guitar and performing in a rock band, “3rd District,” which won the KOIL battle of the bands at the Civic Auditorium. Mike impressed his passion for music upon his boys, teaching them about music and how to play it—as a result, all of them play music and have enjoyed being in bands throughout the years. Mike’s sense of adventure was contagious, and we were always learning something new from him. His voice would fill a room, and when he laughed, you could hear him from down the street. Mike had a lot of friends. His staff loved and respected him; anyone meeting him found it hard not to like him. Mike loved to entertain, loved good food and good wine, and having big parties at the family home. He was a very generous man, always willing to offer help. He was also a very wise man, and friends and family alike could always go to him with any problem. Mike taught his boys a lot about hard work, love for friends and family, appreciation for music, boating, and respect for others. We will miss Mike more than words can say, and we will never forget him. Mike was preceded in death by his parents, Cecil and Beverly Mathews. He is survived by his wife, Debra Mathews; children: Michael L. Mathews, Jr. (Jolene), Robert A. Mathews (Jennifer), and Jason C. Mathews (Rose); four grandchildren: Michael III, Daniel, Owen, and Leo; sister, Sharon; mother-in-law, Mary Roth; nieces and nephews; other relatives and many friends. The family will receive friends Thursday, Dec. 8th, from 6pm to 8pm at the Bel Air Chapel. SERVICES Friday, Dec. 9th at 11am, Bel Air Chapel. Memorials will be directed by the family.

HEAFEY-HOFFMANN DWORAK & CUTLER BEL AIR CHAPEL 12100 West Center Road Omaha, Nebraska 68144 (402) 391-3900

Sign Guestbook

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *