Vernon T. Mathews, Sr. of Lake Gaston, entered eternal rest Friday, April 17, 2020 following many years of suffering with COPD. 

He was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Kim Marie; his parents Walter T. and Nina Lois Mathews, a brother, Robert Lane Mathews, and two sisters, Ruthie Mathis and Kathleen McDaniel. 

Vernon served 22 years in the military, 12 years in the U.S. Marine Corps and 10 years in the Air Force switching branches following his marriage. 

He earned many Commendations and awards throughout his military career and was listed in the 1971 edition of Outstanding Young Men of America, by recommendation of his commanding officer. Following military service, he was a real-estate broker in Klamath Falls, Oregon and Chief of Military Housing with the U.S. Army, Vint Hill Farms Station in Virginia. 

He is survived by his wife, Nina of 56 years, whom he married while serving with the U.S. Marine Corps at the American Embassy in Vientiane, Laos, and she with USAID Laos. They have two sons, Vernon T. Mathews, II (Penny) of Winchester, VA and Mark A. Mathews (Mandy) of Roanoke Rapids, NC; a beloved grandson, Vernon T. Mathews, III (Samantha); a great-grandson, Asher V. Mathews and great-granddaughter, Gabriella A. Mathews of Philadelphia, PA; a brother Thomas Lane Mathews, and several nieces and nephews all of Houston, Texas. 

Graveside Services will be held at a later date in Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia with full military honors.