Don Leslie Matthews of Bay City, Texas, passed away Tuesday, September 8, 2026, on his 92nd birthday. He was born September 8, 1934, in Houston, Texas, to the late James L. Matthews and Eloise C. Breazeale Matthews.

Don grew up in West Columbia, TX and graduated from West Columbia High School in 1953. He then went to WCJC and later finished his Bachelor’s Degree from Thomas Edison State. He served 12 years in the US Army, US Army Reserves, and Texas National Guard. He received an Honorable Discharge in 1968 as Platoon Sgt. E7.

Don served on the Advisory Board at Texas State Technical College from 1983-1998, where he served as President of the Board from 1991-1993.

He worked at Dow Chemical from 1955-1964. He went to work at Celanese and remained there from 1964-1998 until retirement. He held various positions at Celanese from Instrumentation/Electrical, Foreman, Electrician, Section Leader, and Senior Reliability Specialist.

Don was a Member of St. John’s Masonic Lodge #5 in West Columbia since 1955.

Don was a member of First Baptist Church in Bay City since 1959.

Don was incredibly proud of his daughter, Crystal. Knowing how much she loved the water; he bought a boat when she was in Junior High and spent countless hours taking her and her friends out skiing and kneeboarding. There were also yearly trips to Lake McQueeny with the Luedke’s and the Reid’s that will never be forgotten. Those days on the Colorado River became treasured memories for both of them. Crystal eventually started taking the boat out herself. That included once or twice when he went out of town, and he told her not to.

In 1990, he married Gladys, and together they shared a life filled with family and travel. They especially enjoyed traveling with Don’s brother, Mike and his wife Mary Ann, creating many wonderful memories over the years. Don and Gladys hosted many holidays, but Christmas Eve was especially dear to them. Don took great joy in spoiling his grandchildren and loved watching them open their gifts with excitement. Those traditions were cherished with the memories made.

Don treasured the time he spent on the deer lease, where he claimed to be hunting. He was really sitting with a cup of coffee, probably snoring at some point, just watching deer roam around. Some of his fondest memories were made with his brother and best friend, Mike. They were inseparable, and it became hard to be around them at times because it was like a comedy show. Their quick wit, endless stories, and hilarious observations kept everyone entertained. I don’t know how many times we all had to hear the story about the UFO when he was with his sister, Lou, and cousin Wanda.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his first wife, Mary Elizabeth (Liz) Williams; and brothers, Michael Roland Matthews, Jerry Bob Matthews. He is survived by his wife, Gladys Rae Matthews; daughter, Crystal Matthews Hurta and Husband Bruce; and grandchildren, Brock and Clair; his stepdaughter, Shelby Huebner Fawver and husband Tony, and their children Drew and Finley; his stepson, Jeff Huebner and his wife Shay. Don is also survived by his sister, Eloise “Lou” Bayless and husband Steve; his sister-in-law, Mary Ann Matthews; and many beloved nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive relatives and friends for visitation beginning at 9:00am on Saturday, September 19, 2026, at Taylor Bros. Funeral Home. Funeral Services will begin at 10:00am with Chris Webber officiating. Interment will follow at Cedarvale Cemetery. Pallbearers for Don will be Bruce Hurta, Brock Hurta, Victor Vargas Jr., and Chip Luder.

Online condolences may be shared with the family by visiting www.taylorbros.net 

In Lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made in Don’s memory to The Alzheimer’s Foundation, American Heart Association, First Baptist Church of Bay City, or to the St. John’s Masonic Lodge #5 in West Columbia.

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