Frank Glen Mathews

Frank Glen Mathews of Trenton, MI passed away on Monday 29 June 2015 at age 91. He was born on 28 April 1924 in Prenter WV, son of Charles Samples Mathews and Dortha Ellen Smith. He is survived by his cherished wife, Janice Marie (Hardy) Mathews of Pratt WV, who he married in Belle WV in 1945; and by his daughters, Judy Sue (Mathews) Griffith and husband, James of Woodhaven MI and Mary Marguerite Mathews and husband, Robert Tucker of Durham, NH. He was predeceased by his son, Frank Glen Mathews, Jr. He was also predeceased by siblings, Charles Samples Mathews, Jr., William James Mathews, Martha Elizabeth Mathews, and Robert Mathews, and by half-siblings, Harry Smith, Arthur Smith, Ralph Smith, and Georgia Florence Smith. He is also survived by beloved grandchildren, Jeff Griffith and wife, Susie of Woodhaven MI, Jennifer (Griffith) McClure-DeBoodt and husband, Kevin of Commerce Township MI, and Meryl (Mathews) Kinard and husband, Chris, of Arlington VA, and by great-grandchilden, Stephanie McClure, Nicolette McClure, and Nicholas Griffith. Frank enjoyed a long and distinguished career in the railroad industry both in Detroit MI and Charleston WV. Over the course of his occupation he worked as trainmaster, yardmaster and supervisor on the New York Central RR, the Penn Central and Conrail. Following his retirement he began working with the Trenton Police as a crossing guard at Trenton schools and, during the summer months, at the Kennedy pool. He adored children and took great pleasure in the many drawings and cards he received from students over his many years of service to the community. He was a decorated Veteran of WWII, enlisting in the US Army Air Corp in 1941 at the age of 17. He attended Aircraft Mechanic School at Sheppard Field TX, Armor School at Lowry Field CO and served as a Gunnery instructor in Kiel Ireland. He was assigned to the 466th Bomb Group of the 1784th Squadron and earned the rank of Tech Sergeant. Between 1944 and 1945 he flew twenty-five missions over Belgium, France and Germany and was awarded the Air Medal with Silver Cluster and the Certificate of Valor. Arrangements are being made by The Ridge Chapel of The Martenson Family of Funeral Homes. A memorial service for friends and family will be announced at a later date. Remains will be interred at Montgomery Memorial Park, London WV.