Ward Os Mathews

The Honorable Ward Os Mathews, 94 of Battle Creek and formerly a 30 year resident of Rialto, CA died in his sleep at his daughter's residence on Monday, August 29, 2016.

He was born September 21, 1921 in Salt Lake City, Utah to Asa A Lee and Mary Ver (Van Busker) Mathews. Ward grew up in Blacksburg, Virginia. He received his undergraduate degree in Engineering from Virginia Tech. During WWII he honorably served with the U.S. Navy on the USS Hornet Aircraft Carrier II as an aeronautical engineer and then served in the reserves until retiring in 1985. Prior to the war he worked at The Wind Tunnels. After the war, Ward received his law degree from Stanford Law School and began his career in law in the San Bernardino, California District Attorneys Office. Then he opened his own law office in Rialto, CA and worked in private practice and as the Rialto City Attorney, until he was appointed a Municipal Court Judge in Fontana, CA.

Ward was married to Jean Burke for 27 years and then to Monette Lillichild until her death in 1990. Surviving are three daughters, Deborah Mathews of San Clemente, CA, Ann (Nesbitt Blaisdell) Mathews of Brooklyn, NY, Lynette (Tim) Dennis of Battle Creek, MI; three grandchildren, Jenny Burke Mathews of Los Angeles, CA, Robert White of Yucaipa, CA, Matthew Dennis of Ocala, FL, Morris Dennis of Battle Creek, MI; nine great-grandchildren and one great great-grandchild, Marshall Dennis. Ward was also preceded in death by a son, Richard Mathews in 1981.

Hiking and trains were his passion. He covered most of the San Bernardino mountains and rode as many trains as he could. The Skagway Train being one of his favorites. For many years Ward was involved in the Boy Scouts and several local Rotary and Historical Society groups in California. Music was always a part of his life and he played in several bands in both California and Michigan. The trumpet and French horn were his instruments of choice. Ward was an avid baseball fan, especially of the Dodgers & Tigers; and he enjoyed attending the local B.C. Bombers games. In his later years he loved volunteering at Binder Park Zoo.

Ward's family would like to thank the crew he had at hospice.

A service to celebrate Ward's life will be held at a later date in Rialto, California. Inurnment will be at Rialto Park Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of your choice. Arrangements are by Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.