Gerald Matthews

Gerald Ivy Matthews was born Feb. 23, 1948, in Muleshoe, Texas. His parents were Ivy and Dorothy Matthews, formally of Mountain Home, Idaho.

He was commonly known as Jerry or "Cotton" by his friends, due to the color of his hair. In his younger years, Jerry was a member of the High School Rodeo club and enjoyed hunting, camping and fishing with his family.

He joined the Navy Feb. 12, 1968, where he became a Navy Seabee. He served his country and did a tour in Saigon during the Vietnam War.

His unit was active in moving supplies to the front line, by going up and down the Ho Chi Man Trail. This trail was the most treacherous trail during the war that connected North and South Vietnam.

He was honorably discharged and moved to Jackson Hole Wyo., where he went to work for the Teton Forest Service. This is where he met his wife to be, Dora Jean Phillips, and they brought three wonderful children into the world.

Jerry continued his father's occupation of being a roofer in Wyoming and then again in Idaho after returning with his family.

On July 12, 2015, the Lord called him to be in Heaven with his family.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Dora Matthews, parents Ivy and Dorothy Matthews and brothers James and Hugh Matthews. He is survived by his children, Carrie Lea Matthews of Mountain Home, Gerald Thomas Matthews of Boise and Barbie Matthews of Oklahoma, as well as seven grandchildren. He is also survived by his sisters, Doris Brown of Boise, Mary Petersen of Post Falls and Carol Weaver of Boise.

Graveside services to be held at Mountain View Cemetery in Mountain Home, Idaho, at 2 p.m. Aug. 7, 2015.