Gail Mathews

Click Here To View Memorial Video Gail Mathews, 96, formerly of Idaho Falls, Idaho, passed away peacefully Friday, November 8, 2013, at the Marvel Manor Assisted Living Group Home in Las Vegas, Nevada, of causes incident to age. Gail, the first born child of Lee Mathews and Leannah (Hinckley) Mathews, was born March 23, 1917, in Hibbard, Idaho. Gail graduated from Madison High School in 1937 and attended Ricks College for a semester. In 1938, Gail moved to Menan, Idaho, where he met Esther Cottle. Following a brief courtship they were married August 2, 1939, in the Logan, Utah LDS Temple, a union which was to last for the next 71 years. In April, 1944, Gail enlisted in the U. S. Navy. After basic training he received orders for New London, Connecticut, where he was assigned to a training submarine. Because of the stateside location of his duty station, Esther was able to join him there. She returned to Idaho to give birth to their daughter, Esther Gailene. Except for that short period of time, Gail and Esther spent their entire life together in southeastern Idaho. In 1950, at the beginning of Gail's career as a brakeman and conductor for Union Pacific Railroad, Gail and Esther moved into a new home in Idaho Falls, where they lived together, independently, for the next 60 years. Gail was a faithful member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. He enjoyed reading, particularly history and biography. He had a great love of travel and spent many happy times on road trips with Esther in their camper. They still enjoyed overnight camping well into their 80s. Following the death of his beloved wife, Gail moved from his home in Idaho Falls to live with his daughter and son-in-law in Las Vegas. In September, 2013, following two-months of illness Gail moved into the group home in Las Vegas where he spent the final months of his life. Everyone who knew Gail in his later years, came to love and appreciate him for his courage, gratitude, uncomplaining attitude, and good humor in enduring the challenges imposed on him by deteriorating physical health. Gail is survived by his daughter, Gailene (Milo) Hendricks of Las Vegas, NV; his sister, Billie Dot Brower of Rigby, ID; a sister-in-law, Ilene Mathews of Rigby, ID; his grandson, Milo Stephen (Rochelle) Hendricks; his great grandson, Milo James Hendricks, and his great granddaughter, Alora Hendricks, all of Las Vegas, NV. He was proceeded in death by his wife, Esther; his mother, Leannah; his father, Lee; and a brother, Reed. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, November 16, 2013, at Wood Funeral Home, 273 North Ridge Avenue, with Bishop Jerry Wixom officiating. The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.

Funeral Services will be held

11:00 a.m. ,Saturday, November 16, 2013 Wood Funeral Home 273 North Ridge Avenue Idaho Falls, ID, Bonneville 83402 Notes: The family will visit with friends from 10:00 to 10:45 a.m. Saturday at Wood Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Annis-Little Butte Cemetery.