John Oliver Mathews, “Jack”, age 85, of Ada, went home to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, March 8, 2021. He was born to Harry and Sarah Mathews, in the only house he lived in, on September 19, 1935. He graduated from Lowell High School in 1953. On the fourth of July 1956, he met the love of his life, Lorraine “June” Benjamin, and they were married on April 12, 1957 at the old Alton Bible Church in Lowell.
Jack served in the National Guard from 1957 to 1962. In their early marriage, Jack and June operated a beef cattle and dairy farm and custom crops. In 1966, Jack and June started Tip Top Tank & Gravel Company at the farm on East Fulton Rd in Ada. The market for sand and gravel continued to grow, so they decided to expand to sand and gravel production and excavation. Tip Top Gravel Company continues to this day, fifty-five years later. All three of Jack’s children, along with his granddaughter, carry on the legacy of working at Tip Top to this day. It is said that Jack built this company from dirt!
Jack’s hobbies in his teen years included playing guitar and playing saxophone in the Lowell High School concert and jazz bands. He also enjoyed showing cattle in the Kent County 4H fair, singing in the Lowell Showboat Choir from 1949 to 1956; hunting, cutting wood and horseback riding.
Jack’s main purpose throughout his life was to serve his Lord and Savior. He served in various areas at Alton Bible Church including being instrumental in founding the AWANA Clubs. He served as a leader and director in the boys’ clubs of AWANA for 38+ years. Jack also served on the church board as a deacon and elder and was always willing to lend a hand or equipment to any project to further God’s Kingdom. In the late seventies, Jack was part of the construction of the newest facility of Alton Bible Church on the corner of Lincoln Lake Rd. and 3 Mile Rd. in Lowell. The legacy of Jack Mathews is that he treated everyone as family and wanted everyone around him to know about the saving grace of Jesus Christ. Romans 10:13 “For whoever calls on the name of the Lord shall be saved.”
Jack is survived by his wife of 63 years, June; children, Alan (Jayne) Mathews, Susan (Kim) Chase, and Steven (Nancie) Mathews; grandchildren, Abbey (Chris) Sells, Jason (Julie) Mathews, and Jordan Beimers; great grandchildren, Declan Sells; Jonathan, Andrew and Jacob Mathews; Logan, Everett, Nora, Eloise and Kennedy Beimers; June’s siblings, Chuck (Mary) Benjamin, Nora (Tom) Boguslaski and David (Nancy) Benjamin; and several cousins, nieces and nephews. Jack is preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Nancy Mills Benjamin; sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Kathryn and Pete Timinskis; and granddaughter, Meghan Beimers.
The family would be honored to hear stories about Jack at the visitation on Friday, March 12, 2021 from 4-7 pm and from 10:00 am to the time of the service on Saturday, March 13 at Alton Bible Church, 2780 Lincoln Lake Ave NE, Lowell, Michigan. A celebration of Jack’s life will be held on Saturday, March 13, 2021, at 11:00am, at Alton Bible Church, with Pastor Ken Ford officiating. Burial at Oakwood Cemetery in Lowell will take place at a later date.
Memorial contributions may be given in Jack’s name to Tanalian Bible Camp, with a separate note stating, “McGee Family Support”. Tanalian Bible Camp, PO Box 176, Port Alsworth, Alaska 99653 or Alton Bible Church parking lot fund.
9 Responses
Wonderful man! I would love to know how many people in this area that he played in their dirt would be…. He helped many families with building their driveways, landscape, filling their barns…always knew what to use and how to use it. Thank you jack for the memories you have left in our hearts. It was a “job well done sir” Hugs to the family.
Sorry for loss
The Noffke families.
We are very sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. Darold was so glad to visit Jack and June a while ago but knew he was very sick.
We are in Florida now and won’t be able to attend his memorial service, but will be thinking of all of you. Darold and Anne Simpson
Be assured of my prayers for your family. Jack was a real blessing during our ministry at ABC
Our prayes are with you all in this had time
Sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My condolences to the Mathews families.He was a good man.
So sorry for your loss and the sadness of saying goodbye to his earthly presence but also knowing with your faith you find solace in knowing you will be together again. Thinking about you Steve and Nancie.
Dr Eric and Sandy Delamielleure
I’m sorry for your loss Jack was always a very good person willing to help others he will be missed.
I did not know him well, however because I did not live far from their home on Fulton, from grades 3rd thru 6th grade he was kind enough to pick me up from my home and take me to AWANA every week. Those evenings are still remembered very fondly even after over 35 years.