The Bangs Business Association has announced Roy Mathews as their Grand Marshal for Mayfest 2015 Parade.
Mathews was born in Bangs, in 1925, to Hollis and Hattie Mathews. He is the youngest of 5 children and graduated from Bangs High in 1943. Mathews was drafted into the Navy during World War II and sent to San Diego, where he was trained to be a corpsman. He was attached to the 29th Marines, 6th division, where he served the rest of his tour of duty. Mathews served in Okinawa on April 1, 1945, the day the United Stated invaded the Island and was there for 100 days, until the island was secure. While there he earned the Silver Star for saving his Commanding Officer’s life.
After WWII Mathews returned to Bangs and married Edna Taylor in 1947. He worked several jobs before deciding his true love was teaching thus entering Daniel Baker College and receiving his Bachelor of Science in Biology. He then began his teaching career in Santa Anna in 1951, teaching science classes. Mathews then went on to acquire his Masters of Education from McMurray College in Abilene. He then became the principal of Santa Anna High School in 1955 where he remained until moving to Monahans to teach Jr. High Science.Mathews retired from teaching in 1985, enjoying his retirement years with his wife until her death in 1995. He currently resides in Bangs and has for many years, where he has many friends and displays compassion and caring for all who need it.
Mathews is looking forward to celebrating his 90th birthday in June and is still active in his church and community. He has one daughter, Melody Edwards, and husband Bill, one grandson, Tim Mathews of Austin and one step-grandson, Billy Edwards.
Bangs Business Association officials are proud to announce their selection of Mathews, stating, “We are so very honored to have such a well revered man in our Community.”
