Benny Mathews, 72, of Gorman, left his earthly home Saturday, March 17, 2018, surrounded by his loving family and friends. He was born November 28, 1945, in Lamesa, Texas to Garvin Mathews and Madel Teague Mathews Isbell.

Benny lived in Gorman and attended Gorman schools. Benny was always a very hard worker and gave his best effort in everything he did. He helped so many in need, never wanting praise or recognition. He truly had a servant's heart. He enjoyed farming and ranching in his earlier years and was the owner and operator of Benny's Dozer Service. His favorite activity was running his dozer. Benny was a member of First Baptist Church of Gorman and he loved his church family as his own. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and being outdoors.

He married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Carolyn Clark, on December 6, 1994. He was extremely proud of his family and enjoyed spending time and especially holidays with them. His grandchildren were his greatest joy in life. Benny loved to attend his grandson Triston's basketball and baseball games and cheer him on. Triston was the son he never had and was the light of his life and his best buddy.

Those left to cherish his memory are his loving wife, Carolyn; daughter, Cindy Russell and husband, Gary; grandson, Triston; sister, Alma Taylor; brother, Jerry Mathews and wife, Carla; nephew, Jimmy Lewis; step-son, Greg George and wife, Kari; step-daughter, Ginger George; grandchildren, Crystal Parrish and husband, Ian, Cody Russell and wife, Angela, Kiesha Kurko and husband, Paul, Kaitlyn George and Hayden George; great-grandchildren, Jayton and Raegan Harrison, Madison and Gracie Russell, Grant Parrish, and Kash and Kole Kurko; many nieces, nephews, and other extended family; and many loving friends.

Benny was preceded in death by his parents; daughter, Arlette; infant son, Benjiman; sister and her husband, Margaret and Tommy Nipp;  step-father, T.L. Isbell; and brother-in-law, Earl Taylor.

Funeral services celebrating Benny's life were held at 2:00 p.m. Tuesday, March 20, 2018, at Gorman First Baptist Church with Brother Barry Schahn officiating. Graveside services followed in De Leon Cemetery.

If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Cook Children's Medical Center or Gorman First Baptist Church, in memory of Benny.