Anthony "Tony" Mathews

He was born to William Oliver Mathews and Lila Fay Wilson on October 12,1946 in Paris Arkansas. He had two siblings, William Mathews (deceased) and Joan (Sanders) Mathews.

Tony married Glenda Jo McAlister in 1964. They had three children, Skip Mathews, Shawn Mathews and Melissa (Lovell) Mathews. Tony remarried in 1990 to Debbie Ann Dillon and gained two stepsons, Gregory and Michael Dillon.

Tony worked for Data-Tronics of Fort Smith, where he retired from 42 years as the Director of Operations. He also worked part time at Valcom Computers and had a side job grooming dogs. Tony spent the holidays being Santa for Arkansas Best Corp and Lincoln Day Care and private parties. He loved watching the children’s faces light up.

Tony spent his life loving the Lord attending First Baptist Church of Fort Smith. He was a loving son, brother, husband, father, uncle, and friend. He loved traveling, riding motorcycles, dancing, watching movies, beekeeping, gardening, mowing, and spending time with family and friends.

Tony leaves behind to cherish his sister Joan Sanders, his sister-in-law Pam Mathews, his half-brothers and sisters Mike and Dave DeFord (deceased), Ann Mathews, Barbara (Thompson) Mathews, Connie Mathews, Lee Mathews and Fay Mathews (deceased), his sons Skip Mathews/Karen and Shawn Mathews and daughter Melissa (Lovell) Mathews/Jeff, his stepsons Gregory and Michael Dillon/Laurie, his grandchildren, Samantha (Phelps) Mathews/Jake, Paige and Zoie Mathews, Austin Hartness, Piper (Cole) Hartness/Cameron, Megan Hartness. Oscar and Oliver Dillon, his great grandchildren, Siah and Indie Cole, Judge and Jimmy Phelps and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Edwards Funeral Home, 201 North 12th Street, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. A Funeral Service will take place on Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 10:00 am, at First Baptist Church, 1400 Grand Avenue, Fort Smith, Arkansas 72901. Tony will be laid to rest at Oak Cemetery following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations to assist with funeral expenses may be sent to Edwards Funeral Home.