A funeral will be held Thursday, December 11, 2025 for 85-year-old Lyle W. Mathews of Ruma, Illinois, who passed away at 10:36 pm, Friday, December 5, 2025, at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, St. Louis, Missouri.
He was born November 7, 1940 in Prairie du Rocher, Illinois to Joseph and Carmeline (nee Patti) Mathews who both preceded him in death.
He married Carol (née Krebel) Mathews, his wife of 56 years, August 9, 1969 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Prairie du Rocher; she survives.
He is also survived by his children: Angela (Brian) Rogers of New Baden, Illinois; Stefanie (Jim) Moos of Leawood, Kansas; and Leah (Aaron) Brewer of Brentwood, Missouri; his beloved grandchildren: Alex (Zach) Peek, Emma Rogers, Ashlyn Moos, Trevor Moos, Eve Brewer, and Josie Kate Brewer; and his great-grandson, Carter Peek.
He is also survived by his siblings: Johnny (Shirley) Mathews of Prairie du Rocher; Terry (Roselyn) Mathews of Waterloo, Illinois; Patti (Dave) Stirnaman of Waterloo, Illinois; and Elaine (Gary) Kistner of St. Charles, Missouri, along with many nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was also preceded in death by his brother, Mark Mathews.
Lyle proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1960 to 1962.
He worked as a flight instructor, teacher, and rural postal carrier, but his true calling was farming. A lifelong farmer, he rose with the sun and worked the land with strong, steady hands and a grateful heart that always trusted in God’s provision. His work ethic, quiet strength, and patience were evident in every season of life.
Central to everything was his deep and unwavering faith in God. He lived with humility, integrity, and complete trust in God’s goodness. His faith guided him through every joy and hardship, which he passed on as a precious gift to his family.
Lyle treasured his family above all.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend—steady, supportive, and always ready with a warm smile or a word of wisdom.
As he meets his Savior, may he hear the words he lived to earn: “Well done, good and faithful servant.”
Visitation will be 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, December 10, 2025 and 9-10 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois.
A funeral for 85-year-old Lyle W. Mathews of Ruma, Illinois will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, December 11, 2025 at the Pechacek Funeral Homes, Red Bud, Illinois; Pastor Rich Bersett will officiate.
Interment will be in St. Patrick’s Catholic Cemetery, Ruma, Illinois
Memorial contributions may be made to the St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery Fund, Ruma, Illinois or the donor’s choice.