Dean E. Mathews

Dean E. Mathews, age 77,of Cozad, died December 15, 2013 at Good Samaritan Hospital in Kearney. He was born on August 12, 1936 in Cozad to Raymond A and Opal B. (Dutton) Mathews. Dean grew up in Cozad and joined the US Marine Corp in 1955. On September 28, 1958, he married Cecila Flores in San Diego. To this union 4 children were born, Deanna, Mary, Raymond, and Robert. Cecila passed away August 4, 1967. Dean brought his family back to Cozad in 1975. He worked for Stapp Irrigation, Island Dehy, and later for Paulson, where he retired in 2001 after 26 years of service. Survivors include his significant other of 38 years, Violet Hayes of Cozad; 2 children, Deana Garretson of Creston, NE, and Robert Mathews of Holdrege; 6 step children, Bonnie Bray of Minnesota, Ronald (Heather) Bray of Holdrege, Pauline (Bud) Linder of Cozad, Sam (Loari) Bray of Wilcox, Elizabeth Bray of Cozad, and Jenny Hayes of Cozad; grandchildren, Eric (Amber) Mathews of Cozad, Aaron (Breanna) Pelster of Lincoln, Michael (Ashley Hoffman) Garretson of Creston, Tyson White of Minnesota, Kirk White of Minnesota, Bradley White of South Dakota, Jeff Bray of Holdrege, Shawn Bray of Oxford, Ashley (Jordan) Kinnan of Cozad, Tiffany (Matt) Marquardt of Tekamah, NE, Caleb Lucero of Cozad, Allan (Pebbles) Bray of Dunning, April (Tim) Tuttle of Wilcox, Levi Butler of North Platte, Contessa Butler of Cozad, Amber Butler of Cozad, and Hope Adams of Cozad; 18 great-grandchildren, and numerous other family members and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Cecila, 2 children, Mary and Raymond, a grandson Ronnie Bray Jr. , 2 brothers, Clyde and Dale Mathews. A memorial has been established in his name and online condolences can be made at berrymanfuneralhome.com. Memorial Services will be 1:00 p.m. Wednesday December 18, 2013 at the Berryman Funeral Home with the Rev. Blake Armstrong officiating. Inurnment with full military honors will be at Fort McPherson National Cemetery near Maxwell. Memorial book signing will be Tuesday from 9 -5. Berryman Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.