Donald S. Mathews

May 6, 1938 – May 14, 2014

Donald, 76, of Gardendale had his home going on May, 14, 2014. He was a Christian, an avid golfer, a veteran of the U.S. Army – Paratroopers Division. He was a barber for 55 years, President of the Jeff Co Barber Comm for 30 years and owner of the Alabama State College of Barbering where he taught barbering for 35 years in Roebuck and Gardendale.

Donald was preceded in death by his parents and 2 brothers, Sidney and Melvin. He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Emily Jean; children, Don Mathews, Jr., Col. Steven Johnson, Roger Johnson, Jr., Jeanine (Anthony) Johnson Kelso and Dennis (Kim) Hand; grandchildren, Emily (Mike) Gault, Angela (Clayton) Smith, Matthew Kelso, Hannah Johnson, Dallas and Dalton Hand, and a grandchild due on 9/11/14; great granddaughter, Emma Gault; sisters, Joyce Walraven (GA), and Margaret Winnett (Dora); sister-in-law, Pat Mathews (Dora); a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

A visitation will be held at Ridout’s Gardendale Chapel on Sunday, May 18, 2014 from 1:00pm – 3:00pm with a Celebration of Life service at 3:00pm. In lieu of flowers the family request donations be made in Donald’s honor to the GFBC missions or building fund or to a charity of your choice.