Cecil Mathews

Cecil Mathews passed away in his sleep on Tuesday November 19, 2024 at the age of 91. Born in 1933 in Waco, Texas to Cecil and Eula Mathews, he grew up in Fort Worth, Texas attending R.L. Paschal High School. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin before serving his country in the United States Army.

Cecil’s interests included fine dining, travel and thoroughbred horses. Cecil’s early professional career took him around the country before he finally settled in Chicago where his good nature and inviting smile made many lifelong friends.

Family and friends were central to Cecil’s life. He regularly traveled home to Fort Worth to visit family and always made it a point to stop at Angelo’s barbecue to visit his friends from Paschal. He looked forward to his army reunions and going sailing. A long drive to Wyoming was always inviting to Cecil because it meant hours of good conversation and fine cigars. Cecil’s home was always open to visiting family.

Cecil is preceded in death by his parents Cecil and Eula Mathews; and brother Charles Mathews. He is survived by his longtime friend and companion Erin Houlehen; brother James Mathews; niece Joyce Mathews and partner Stan Pettigrew; nephews James Mathews and wife Brittany, Stacy Mathews and Micheal Mathews and wife Cynthia; great nieces and nephews Michelle Mathews and partner Paul Burger, Shealiegh Mathews and daughter Navalin, Jenny Conway and sons Brady and Sam.

A private service will be held for the family. In lieu of flowers please make donations to the Saint Joan of Arc Chapel Fund at Marquette University or the Cudahy Art Coalition.

St Joan of Arc Chapel Fund at Marquette University, c/o Marquette University,

P.O. Box 7013, Carol Stream, IL 60197-7013

Cudahy Art Coalition, 4045 E. Bottsford Ave, Cudahy, WI 53110