Robert Joseph Mathews

Mathews, (with one “t” because we couldn’t afford two) Robert Joseph, Jr AKA Trebor Swehtam July 22, 1940 – November 14, 2023 Bob was the Original Girl Dad and Parole Officer to Kim Mathews and Laura Piercy (Tony), Chocolate Chip Cookie Connoisseur, Master of the Dad Joke and Life-Long Dance Partner-in-Crime of 57 years to wife Bonnie (nee Koppitz). Proud Poppy to Courtney Middle, Ryan Middle, Coby Williams and Ryder Williams. Loving son of Robert J. Mathews, Sr and Louise Rosamond Mathews (nee Peterson) and brother to Susan Rickey (nee Mathews) (Ken), who all preceded him in death. Dear Uncle and Friend. Courageous Army Veteran. Not only the Master of the Dad Joke, Bob left his mark and was always eager to share his expertise in a variety of areas including knowing when to leave an event to “beat the traffic,” the fine art of lawn mower placement to create perfect yard lines, pro tips for proper windshield bug-removal, extreme couponing, how to say names backwards, and the not-so-popular: how to wake the family with ice cube making at 5am. He passed these skills down to his daughters who use them to this day (except for the ice cube one – that one never really caught on with auto ice cube makers and all.) Bob grew up in South St. Louis and made lifelong childhood friends he was still in contact with (well, BA – Before Alzheimers. That damn disease!) He was a standout baseball player in his youth and a lifelong St. Louis Cardinal fan. Despite his aversion to algebra, he graduated from Southwest High School and Southeast Missouri State and went on to work as a Systems Analyst for many years having fun with flowcharts and making lists. (Oh, add this as another super skill he passed down.) He was the epitome of what Midwesterners call “Good People.” Hardworking and willing to do anything for anyone, there wasn’t anyone Bob didn’t get along with. (Except for maybe that bagger from Dierbergs who squashed his bread. Once. After that incident, the pre-bag warning of “you squasha my bread, I squasha your head” was borne.) During the Girl Dad teenage years, Bob could usually be found on a track or cross country course or basketball court with camera in hand snapping pictures and capturing memories of friendships that would also last a lifetime. That’s what Bob did. He brought people together and made them feel wanted, included and loved. Thanks, Daddio! Bob married his college sweetheart, Bonnie, on August 13, 1966. After Bonnie burnt the jello (which may or may not have been done on purpose), Bob took over the family cooking duties and the rest was culinary history: he concocted the best pizza, beef burgundy, black bottom rum mousse pie, Rice Krispy “bricks”….the Yum list is endless. Luckily, he passed this gene to daughter, Laura, so the family can still enjoy an edible meal when they get together. Bob and Bonnie cut a mean rug on the dance floor, created a loving family, built a business together (aptly named “B&B Telecom”) and weathered all the good and challenging times life threw at them to make it 57 years! What a feat! You Done Good, Dad! WE LOVE YOU!!!!! In lieu of flowers, the family will be taking donations that will be given to Arrowhead Senior Living Facility – Memory Care Unit in Bob’s name. A visitation is scheduled for Saturday, November 18th at Valhalla Chapel of Memories, 7600 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Louis, MO from 10:00 a.m. until service time at 11:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Valhalla Cemetery.

Robert Joseph Mathews

July 22, 1940 - November 14, 2023