Donald Joseph Mathews

He is preceded in death by his loving wife of 52 years, Shirley Dakin Mathews, his parents, John Henry Mathews and Irma Ezilda Carbo Mathews, and his brother, Alvin Jerome Mathews.

He is survived by his children, Michael J Mathews Sr. (Susan), Cindy Mathews Henderson (Russell), Kathy Mathews Ricker (Albert Jr.), and Thomas M Mathews (former wife Karen), grandchildren, Shannon Henderson Gaffney (Martin), Rachel Henderson Holt (Joshua), Albert Ricker III (Melinda), Matthew Ricker (Shyla), Megan Mathews, Allison Ricker Burke (Devin), Michael “Mikey” Mathews Jr., and Grant Mathews, step-grandchildren, Bridgette Ricker Cabirac (Louie) and Tierney Ricker Hinrichs (Michael), and 20 great-grandchildren. He is also survived by his girlfriend, Dixie Olsen, brother, John Larry Mathews (Elizabeth), sister-in-law, Jackie Mathews, and many other relatives and friends.

Donald was beloved resident of the Irish Channel neighborhood. He graduated from Redemptorist High School in New Orleans, where he was named to the First Team All State football team in 1955 and earned a scholarship to play football at LSU. He worked for the New Orleans Public Belt Railroad, retiring in 1999. However, his true passion was coaching youth athletic teams for NORD, which he did for 40 years. He changed the lives of so many children and to many he will always be known as “Coach”. Donald lived life to the fullest and always enjoyed attending festivals, listening to live music, and dancing with friends and family. He was a treasure, one of a kind, and will surely be missed by many.

Relatives and friends are invited to attend a funeral service on Tuesday, March 16, 2021 at Leitz-Eagan Funeral Home, 4747 Veterans Memorial Blvd. Metairie, LA. Visitation will be held from 9AM – 11AM with a funeral mass to begin at 11AM. Interment will follow at St. Patrick #1 Cemetery.