Kolathu P Mathews

Kolathu P. Mathews (Achenkunju) was born on December 9, 1948, in Kerala, India. He was the fifth and youngest son of Joseph Paulose and Annamma Joseph. He had one older sister – Elizabeth John, and three older brothers – Rev. K.P. Joseph, K.P. Philip, and (late) K.P. Zachariah. They were a part of the Kochiyil Valiya Veettil House in Anjilithanam, Kerala.

He valued higher education and obtained multiple degrees in India. He first obtained his bachelor’s degree in Science at the Mar Thoma College in Thiruvalla. He then went on to Bhopal University to pursue his Master’s degree in Zoology/Entomology. He finally returned to Thiruvalla and obtained a second bachelor’s degree in Education at Titus Teachers College.

In December 1976, he married Annie Mathews (Moni) and with this union, he gained four more siblings. After a few months in India, they immigrated from India to the United States. In 1980, they settled down in Houston and in December 1980, they were blessed with their daughter - Tina.

He worked at St. Luke's Episcopal Hospital in the Medical Records Department and continued there for 33 years. In his free time, he loved watching nature shows and spending time singing, drawing and gardening. His love for the arts truly showed in his daily life.

He was a dedicated member of the Trinity Mar Thoma Church, since the ground breaking of the church. He spent numerous weekends attending prayer meetings, and participating in church events. He especially enjoyed the fellowship with the Alief and Sugar Land prayer groups.

His love for his family runs very deep, and he was most excited about celebrating birthdays and eating cake. He truly enjoyed every family get together, prayers and events. In the family, he was known for his beautiful handwritten Christmas cards and Saturday morning phone calls.

For the past year, he was staying at a personal care home and although it was hard not having him at home, he brought so much joy to the staff members and was a friendly face to other patients at the home.

He is survived by his wife and daughter, siblings and extended family. His sweet heart and adorable smile will never be forgotten. Memory eternal.

A visitation for Kolathu will be held Friday, July 5, 2024 from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM at Trinity Mar Thoma Church, 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77048. A funeral service will occur Friday, July 5, 2024 from 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM, 5810 Almeda Genoa Rd, Houston, TX 77048. A committal service will occur Friday, July 5, 2024 from 1:30 PM to 2:00 PM at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Rd, Houston, TX 77077.