David Matthews

David Henry Matthews, longtime resident of the Gila Valley, entered into eternal rest on Sunday, April 9, 2023, at the age of 83. David was born on May 10, 1939, in Safford, AZ to parents Harold I. Matthews & Leora Barnett Matthews with siblings Harold "Kermit", Reubin, Gordon, Christine, and Ila Mae. David graduated from Benson High School in 1958, and went on to Eastern Arizona College where he met and fell in love with Nyla L. Thompson. The young couple married in Thatcher, AZ on January 8, 1959 and we blessed with children David, Lara, Lynda, and Larry. The couple settled down in Thatcher, AZ where he began working as an auto mechanic and soon started "Dave's Service Station" which he ran for over 46 years. David also enjoyed racing pigeons, doing genealogy, and serving in the Gila Valley Temple. He was on the Thatcher City Council and was Vice Mayor for 23 years. Anyone who knew David knows that he enjoyed giving people a hard time and loved it when they'd give it back to him. He also loved helping those that needed help. He was honest, dependable, and a big teaser! He is survived by his loving wife Nyla, his children David (Tami), Lara, Lynda (Kevin), and Larry. He is also survived by 15 loving Grandchildren, and 10 Great-Grandchildren. David was preceded in death by his parents Harold & Leora, his siblings Reubin, and Christine, and 1 Grandchild. A visitation will be held on Friday evening, April 14, 2023 beginning at 5:00 p.m. at the McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel and again on Saturday morning, April 15th starting at 9:00 a.m. at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints Thatcher Stake Center with the funeral service starting at 10:00 a.m. Concluding services will be held immediately following the funeral service at the Matthews Cemetery. Services are under the direction of McDougal's Caldwell Funeral Chapel and Crematory. Online condolences may be extended at www.caldwellfuneralchapel.com/obituaries/ Click this link to view additional details about David's Services, including any available live streams: https://my.gather.app/remember/david-matthews