William Wheeler Mathews

William Wheeler Mathews, Sr. passed away on July 25, 2016. Bill was born on November 18, 1936 in Indianapolis to Calvin Case and Lute Mansfield Mathews. Bill grew up in the Meridian Kessler neighborhood and spent many of his childhood days at the Riviera Club. He attended Shortridge High School for two years, but graduated from the Morgan Park Military Academy in Chicago in 1954. Bill went on to attend Butler University where he was a member of Sigma Nu Fraternity. He then went into business with his two older brothers, Cal and Jerry Mathews, as a sales representative in the lighting industry.

As a young man, Bill received his private pilot's license and remained an avid aviator for most of his life. In 1963, he married Gretchen Chickedantz with whom he had four children, Bill Jr., Anne, Amy, and Tom. He raised his family in Indianapolis until moving to Carmel in 1987. In 2000, he retired from a 40- year sales career.

One of Bill's favorite hobbies was genealogy. He spent countless hours researching his family history, often taking his family to visit museums and landmarks related to his ancestry. Bill also enjoyed his Monday lunch group, spending time at the Riviera Club where he was a lifelong member, working crossword puzzles, and anything his children happened to be doing. He was an overwhelmingly devoted father and was very proud of his children and grandchildren. Bill was also a member of Mensa.

Bill is preceded in death by his daughter, Anne Mathews Scott; and his siblings, Jerry Mathews and Marjorie Williams. He is survived by Gretchen, his son Bill (Molly), daughter Amy Curtis (Trevor), and son Tom (Rachel). His grandchildren are Amber Scott Kern (Chris), Eric Scott Jr., Ben, Sam, and Annie Mathews, Eddie and Annabelle Curtis, Lauren and Vanessa Mathews. His great grandchildren are Nolan and Jackson Kern. His older brother Cal Mathews, sister-in law Bess Mathews and son-in-law Eric Scott, Sr. also survive. He loved his many nieces, nephews, and friends from near and far. Special thanks to the nursing staff at Carmel Health and Living Community.

There will be a calling from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 6 p.m. at the Riviera Club on Friday, August 5th, 2016. Memorial contributions can be made to Indiana University Foundation, Anne Mathews Scott Swimming Scholarship, or the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research at michaeljfox.org.