William Russell Mathews, 85

William Russell Mathews, 85, a native and life-long resident of West Portsmouth passed away on July 20, 2008 after an extended illness. He was born on April 17, 1923 in West Portsmouth, a son of the late Johnny and Mizzie Mathews. He was one of eight children born to this union. Brothers Carl and Dave Mathews, and Sister's Helen Levi and Betty Wagner, all of Columbus, OH still survive.

He is also survived by three children, daughter Linda and Gary Clemmons of Chillicothe, Terry and Delores Mathews of Piketon, Thomas Mathews of Chillicothe; beloved grandchildren and great grandchildren and a very special lady and long time companion Ms. Ann Mowrey of West Portsmouth.

William was a decorated World War II Navy veteran, a Washington Township Fireman, township constable, a Scioto County Deputy Sheriff, United States Postal Carrier, Odd Fellows Lodge, the Scioto County Democratic Party organization, and various assignments within the American Legion. He spent his entire life serving the people of West Portsmouth, he was a founding member of the Dr. Singleton Memorial Park and was instrumental in establishing the West Portsmouth Athletic Association. He was also owner and operator of "Mathews Dairy Bar" which was established in 1963.

His legacy will be the many contributions he made to this great country, the people and community that he so dearly loved. Special thanks and recognition goes to the Chillicothe Veterans Administration Staff who provided excellent care and compassion.

Funeral services will be 1 P.M. Thursday, July 24, 2008 at the Roger W Davis Funeral Home in West Portsmouth with Reverend Carl Rose officiating and interment in Scioto Burial Park with graveside military rites by James Dickey Post 23 American Legion. Friends may call at the Funeral Home from 6 to 8 P.M. on Wednesday and from noon to the funeral hour on Thursday. Condolences may be sent to www.rogerwdavisfuneralhome.com