Jerry Mathews, 94, passed away peacefully at home April 28, 2016 of natural causes. A smart, funny, and spiritual man, he lived a long life devoted to civic duty and family stability. Born in Alton, IL, Jerry was the first in his family to graduate from college. He studied engineering at the University of Illinois, served in the Navy in the Pacific Theater during WWII, then worked as an engineer at Illinois Bell for 35 years. During the 62 years he resided in Park Forest, Jerry was actively involved in the community, serving as President of Kiwanis, as a school board member, and as a trustee and President of the village. He also volunteered at PADS, an interfaith organization providing services to the homeless. A healthy man, Jerry was an avid tennis and golf player, and an active member of the Park Forest Running and Pancake Club. He was also a history buff who read voraciously. Jerry was lucky to have found love twice in his life. He married his beloved wife, Rosemary (Girard) and had three cherished daughters, Jane, Kathleen, and Maureen. Rosemary's death in 1983 left him bereft. In 1987, Jerry married Phyllis (Canton) Reynolds, with whom he lovingly shared the last thirty years of his life. Jerry is remembered for his sweet sense of humor, his kindness, and his generous spirit. His was a life well-lived. In lieu of flowers, Jerrys family asks that you consider making a donation in his name to the Park Forest Public Library or South Suburban PADS ( in care of Faith United Protestant Church). Jerry is survived by his wife Phyllis; daughters (and spouses) Jane and Al Decovnik, Kathleen Mathews and Clifford Schwichow, and Maureen Mathews and Barry Newstat; stepchildren (and spouses) Chris and Laurie Reynolds, Pat Reynolds, Lisa Reynolds and Dave Sanders, Sarah Reynolds and Brandy Parris; grandchildren (and spouses) Thomas and Celia Carlson, Kristin Carlson, Emily (Pohndorff) and Joe Biegel, Shelby Pohndorff, Stuart Newstat, Rachel and Sam Reynolds, and Jack and Hank Sanders; as well as seven great grand-children. A memorial service honoring his life will be at Faith United Protestant Church in Park Forest (10 Hemlock St, Park Forest, IL 60466) on Saturday, May 14 at 11 am. Service Information Cemetery Private private private, IL 60466 --> Service Saturday May 14, 2016 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM Faith United Prot. Church 10 Hemlock Park Forest, IL 60466 -->