Colonel Bruce Arthur Mathews

Litchfield Park, AZ —Bruce A. Mathews, loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather, died in the arms of his wife, Carolyn and surrounded by the love of his family on Monday, July 3, 2011. Bruce was born June 19, 1934, the middle of three sons of Floyd and Marie Mathews, in Fort Collins, Colorado. His early childhood was spent in Alaska and later on a family ranch in Wyoming. He entered the Air Force in 1956 and began what would become a 30 year career as an officer and pilot. His service included combat assignments during the Cuban Missile Crisis and Vietnam. After 30 years of service, he retired as a Colonel at Wright Patterson Air Force Base, OH. His military decorations include the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Legion of Merit.

In 1985, he moved to Litchfield Park and began his second career in defense contracting starting with Goodyear Aerospace. Throughout his life he enjoyed the outdoors, especially fishing, camping and hiking. Bruce and Carolyn were Christians and were active in the Christ Community United Methodist Church, Avondale, AZ. They greatly enjoyed their friends at the church and were very involved in many community activities with them. Bruce and Carolyn loved to travel but most of all they cherished the time spent with their children, grandchildren, great grandchildren and other family members, all of whom he loved dearly.

Bruce is survived by his wife of 58+ years, Carolyn, children: Cindy (Bernie) Fleming of Surprise, AZ; Roger (Connie) of Fort Shafter, Hawaii, and Craig (Debbie) of Mobile, AL; nine grandchildren and 12 great grandchildren, as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Bruce was preceded in death by his parents Floyd and Marie Mathews of Fort Collins, CO and brothers; Jerry and Wayne. Funeral services have been set for 10:00 AM Friday, July 8, 2011, at Christ Community United Methodist Church, Avondale, AZ 85323. Internment will follow at 1:30 PM at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona.

In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Desert Southwest United Methodist Foundation in the name of Bruce Mathews Scholarship Fund to be used for underprivileged children. Donations may be sent to DSUMF, 1550 East Meadowbrook Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85014-4040.