Thomas Olyn Matthews

Thomas Olyn Matthews, 82, of Mesa, Colorado, passed away peacefully at home on November 18, 2024, surrounded by his loving family. He was born on January 19, 1942, in Waterbury, Connecticut, to Jack B. Matthews and Edna E. Hewins.

Thomas spent his early childhood years in Parker and Gypsum, Colorado. As a teenager his family moved to Molina Colorado where they operated a family dairy. Thomas graduated from Plateau Valley High School in 1960. On August 27, 1962, he married the love of his life Sue Knapp in Collbran, Colorado.

He worked as a Water Supply Coordinator for the Ute Water Conservation District for 41 years. Thomas took great pride in his work with the Conservation District, continuing his career as a consultant for several years after his retirement. Over the course of Thomas's career, he collected an assortment many keys. His family and friends will remember fondly the sounds that these keys would make as he would go about his day.

An avid outdoorsman, Thomas enjoyed hunting, fishing, beekeeping, and ATV rides. He cherished his adventures in Arizona and treasured the time at his cabin on Cottonwood Creek.

He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years, Sue Matthews; his son Les Matthews and wife Sharon of Grand Junction, CO; his daughter Tammi Bieser and husband Tom of Mesa, CO; four grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

Thomas was preceded in death by his parents, Jack and Edna Matthews, and his sister, Judy Matthews Snow.

In lieu of flowers please make a charitable donation to Plateau Valley Hospice, P.O. Box 294 Collbran CO 81624.

A Celebration of Life service will be held at a later date.