Richard Sim Mathews

January 20, 1951 - April 15, 2023

Mr. Richard Sim Mathews, age 72, passed on from this life, April 15, 2023, while holding the hand of his beautiful wife. Rick was born to Bernice (Nichols) Mathews and James Mathews on January 20, 1951, in Beaumont, Texas.

He served in the United States Air Force for four years as a Sargent with the 602nd Tactical Air Control Center Squadron at Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, Texas. Rick then went on to serve his community for thirty-one years as a Beaumont Fireman. He also followed in his father’s footsteps and built a successful construction business. Rick enjoyed going to the gym, fishing, playing blackjack, riding his Harley and most of all spending time with his family and friends.

Those who are left to cherish his memory are his wife, Athena Ferrell Mathews of Beaumont, Texas; brother, James Mathews Sr. and his wife, Melda Mathews of Lumberton, Texas; sister, Martha and her husband, Chuck Albanese of Beaumont, Texas; daughter, Kelly and her husband, Jeremy Fuhlman; nephews, James Jr., and his wife, Teresa Mathews; Mike and his wife, Niki Albanese, Eldon and his wife Lisa Albanese, bonus daughter, Jennifer and her husband, Mike Davidson; bonus son, Alex Ferrell; grandchildren, Reece Fuhlman, Xander Ferrell, Maddax Ferrell, Jaxson Ferrell, Emberlynn Ferrell, Anakin Davidson, Marlie Davidson, Noah Davidson, and Norman Davidson.

Special thanks to his best buddy and caregiver, Ms. Sharon Reed.

Mr. Mathews’ memorial service will be at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 29, 2023, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His cremation arrangements were handled through Broussard’s Crematorium.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association 700 North Suite M, Beaumont, Texas 77701.

Video

Download Program

Memorial Service

Broussard’s Mortuary Major Dr.
  • 1605, North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas, 77713,
  • April 29, 2023
  • 10:00 am

Comments (19)

    Casey parigi says:

    I was FF with Mr. Mathews, I also always saw in the gym he was good man and great motivator. He would always give words of in courage meant to keep going! RIP my friend you are now in the best gym!!!

    Paul Carroll says:

    How does one become friends in the military in just a year and a half. Easy if you knew Rick. Thank you buddy for the laughs and friendship.

    Krystal Brown says:

    Dearest Kelley and family, from all the beautiful stories told of your father, I am encouraged to know that you were blessed with an incredible dad! ❤️ may his memories live on through you. To be absent from the body, is to be present with the Lord… Love you Kelley, continued prayers to you and your family.

    Cynthia Thomas Murphy says:

    Kelly my heart goes out to you and your family.God need another Angel so he chose your Dad.Love Cynthia and Tony

    E.B. and Frances Shelton says:

    Rick will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved him. RIP dear friend.

    Polk Roy d says:

    The world just became a colder place with your passing..may the good lord guided you and comforted you it was a joy knowing you..,

    James, Theresa , Megan Mathews says:

    We love you and miss you Rick. ❤️❤️❤️

    Bill Bianchi says:

    Athena…
    So sorry to hear about your loss. Know that my thoughts and prayers are with you and your family, Please don’t hesitate to let me know if I
    can help you with anything.

    Marcia Geheb says:

    Rick was a wonderful man. I will always remember him as a happy and fun loving guy who always made everyone laugh. I wish his family, James and James Jr comfort at this hard time.

    Marcia Geheb

    Chris Foster says:

    So very sad to hear of Ricky’s passing – he was a bright spot in the three years I attended JHS. Thankfully we got in a good visit at our 50th reunion! RIP

    Standifer's says:

    Rick was such a great guy, I just can’t believe I’m reading of his passing. Many prayers to his family.

    Karla says:

    We all loved Rick. He was a character and will be missed. Love to family and friends.

    Vera Sanders says:

    Athena, Ron and I were so very sorry to hear of your loss. Please know that our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Love you!

    Karen Seymour says:

    Athen & Rick’s family, it has been a pleasure knowing Rick over the years, my sincere condolences to you all, God Bless.

    Roy Wood says:

    RIP Brother. The things we have seen and the times we have had. Thank you for letting me be a part of your life.

    Michelle Chesser says:

    Rick and my husband, David Chesser, shared many years of service together. I recall numerous stories of their adventures while working, as well as outside of the fire department. I’m sure they had a great reunion in heaven. Prayers for his family and friends.

    Lee and Gina Acevedo says:

    We are very saddened to learn of Rick’s passing. He was a great guy , always smiling and ready to tell you some silly joke or prank you. You will be missed my friend. Lord I pray you take Rick’s family in your loving embrace and grant them comfort and peace in their time of sorrow and always. In Jesus’s name I pray…. Amen.

    Janet Poe-Pizarro says:

    Sending prayers to the family!!! ????????????

    Sandra Womack says:

    Athena and family,
    My thoughts and prayers are for all of you during this difficult and sad time. Praying peace and comfort for each of you.

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