Darwin Grant Mathews

Darwin Grant Mathews lived his life by loving his family and friends and serving his community.

He passed away on January 5, 2024.  Darwin leaves behind a legacy of family, hard work, leadership  and thoughtful service. Born on April 19, 1938, in Idaho Falls, Idaho to Reva and Ivan Mathews. He lived his life in Shelley. In Darwin’s early years he played basketball, football, baseball, and fast-pitch softball. His athletic ability and work ethic helped him become a standout basketball player at Shelley High School. His experience as an athlete inspired him to lead a life dedicated to teamwork, discipline and perseverance. 

Darwin married Lynda Beth Briggs on December 15, 1972. They began their lives together with their 4 children in Shelley, Idaho. Later, they added two more sons to their blended family. He was a thoughtful and loving husband to his sweetheart, they began building the foundation of a love and marriage to last for eternity. They were sealed together in the Salt Lake Temple when they were serving a mission for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints.

Darwin, Lynda and their son Brad served a mission in Salt Lake City at the Family and Church History Headquarters. Darwin also served as Scoutmaster, High Councilman, Bishop, Councilor in the Elders Quorum. As a Scoutmaster for the Boy Scouts of America he was able to impart his love of athletics, the outdoors and life lessons that would resonate with his scouts for years to come. One of the callings he truly loved was teaching an 18 year-old Sunday School class that had struggled with teachers in the past. Through love and service  he and Brad were able to share their testimonies, teach and prepare the young people and help prepare them to share the gospel with others. President Russell M. Nelson said, “Mortality is a master class in learning to choose the things of greatest eternal import. Your choices will determine three things: where you will live throughout eternity, the kind of body with which you will be resurrected, and those with whom you will live forever.”  Darwin learned and lived the lessons of the master class.

Darwin contributed to his community as a business owner with his dad, Ivan, and his brother Gene.  He helped build the business into a reputable business that is now run by other members of the Mathews family. His integrity was important to him, he strove to treat everyone with honesty and honor. He served on the Board of Directors for Bingham Memorial Hospital and for the Shelley Senior Center.

Darwin found happiness in the beauty of the outdoors. An avid hunter and fisherman he used his hobbies to build relationships with his family and friends. He passed on his love to his own family creating cherished memories that will endure through generations. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the lessons that he imparted. We are inspired by the man who strived to do his best through each role he took on with dedication and love.

Darwin was preceded in death by his son Bradley Lynn Mathews, his sister, Lana Shurtliff, and his parents Ivan and Reva Mathews.  He is survived by his loving wife, Lynda, and their five children- Darci Mathews, Hayley Mathews, Kent (Salli) Brown, Michelle (Eric) Giles, and Brett (Rachel) Mathews. He has 21 grandchildren and 6 great-grandchildren.

A funeral service to honor Darwin’s life will be held on Friday, January 12, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. at the Shelley South Stake Center located at  675 South Milton, Shelley, ID  83274. Visitation with family will be held on Thursday, January 11, 2024 from 6:00 to 7:30 at Nalder Funeral Home 110 West Oak St. Shelley, Idaho 83274 and preceding the funeral service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. 

 Interment will be at the Shelley Hillcrest Cemetery immediately following the funeral service.  For those unable to attend in person, funeral services will be available online.

Those who would like to participate in the funeral service remotely are invited to view the service on a live broadcast at https://www.shelleysouthstake.org/wards/7th/

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