Harry Mathews

Harry Paul Mathews, age 76, of Holland passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 19,2022. Born on December 14,1945 in East Chicago, Indiana, Paul lived a full life. Paul had a love for his country that prompted him to courageously enlist with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam war. Following Paul's service in the navy he found a passion for working on the inland steel ore boats. He then spent many years working in the transportation industry at many local trucking companies where he was a dispatcher and safety manager. He enjoyed traveling, especially to Las Vegas to see jimmy buffet play and loved visiting the Soo Locks so much that it became a yearly adventure. At the Soo he could watch and photograph all the boats passing through. He also had an unwavering love for tacos which inspired him to spend many days trying to recreate his favorite ones from back home, East Chicago. He loved to end his evenings watching his favorite sports teams, the Chicago Blackhawks and Bears, or watching an episode or 5 of NCIS with his grandkids. He is survived by of his wife of 40 years, Jan (nee berkompas).Their children Jason and Cathreen Mathews(Taylor, Caylee, Cherish Keira), Jamie and Joseph Herrick(Laela) and Kristen Mathews(Rylee, Ava, Lauren). He is also survived by daughters Julie Wagman and her husband Jon (Dylan, Alexandria) and Debbie Bridges and her husband James (Peyton). Per Paul's wishes cremation has taken place and no services will be held. Family will hold a celebration of life at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to Autism Speaks at www.autismspeaks.org. Cremation Arrangements were entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Harry Mathews, please visit our flower store.