Travis “Pete” Mathews

Travis “Pete” Mathews, 85, of Beaumont, passed away peacefully on Thursday, December 9, 2021. He was born January 2, 1936, in Hedley, Texas, to Inez McBride Mathews and Harry Mathews.

Pete grew up in Sulphur Springs, TX.  He moved to Beaumont in 1969 with his family to begin a new job, working for Ken Ruddy at Beaumont Motor Co.  His subsequent business ventures included RMD Auto Parts, Beaumont Auto Color, and he was the current owner of Triangle Engine Distributors and Southeast Texas Automotive Equipment.

Working was not only his job, but his passion. When he wasn’t working, he was spending time with his family and his two cats, Howie and Toby. Pete cherished his relationship with his brother and sisters. He will always be remembered as a dedicated husband to his wife of sixty-five years, a loving father, and an adoring “Paw Paw” to his grandchildren and his great-granddaughters.

Pete was a member of Wesley United Methodist Church.  He was a good Christian man who loved the Lord and took great pleasure in helping others.  He was also a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Pete is survived by his wife, Mary Ann Mathews, of Beaumont; daughter, Julie George and her husband, Gary, of Beaumont; son, Kyle Mathews and his wife, Lori, of Mauriceville; sister, Linda Johnson of Irving; grandchildren, Tyler Mathews and his wife, Betsy, of Houston; Taryn King and her husband, Chad, of Beaumont;  Brandon Mathews of Lumberton; Christopher George and his wife, Avery, of Meridian, Idaho; Korbyn Lee, of Lumberton; Kayla Lee of Lumberton; Craig Mathews of Mauriceville; great-grandchildren, Scarlett and Zoey King of Beaumont.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Inez and Harry Mathews; brother Harold Mathews; and sister, Nanette Williams.

The family would like to thank the staff at Harbor Hospice for their compassionate care.  We would also like to express our deep appreciation to his caregivers,  Aundrey Cooper, Helen Jones, Nancy Fontenot, and Debbie Ball, for their extraordinary care during his illness.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Southeast Texas Humane Society, 2050 Spindletop Avenue, Beaumont, Texas 77705 or Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, Texas 77713.

A gathering of Pete’s family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m., Sunday, December 12, 2021, at Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont. His funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Monday, December 13, 2021, at Wesley United Methodist Church, 3810 North Major Drive, Beaumont, with his interment to follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park, Beaumont.

Please observe social distancing guidelines. By attending any public event, you are acknowledging the risk of exposure to the Coronavirus. Please follow the guidelines provided by the Centers for Disease Control: cdc.gov.