Alwin H. "Al" Mathews of Hondo, 83, passed away Saturday, April 18, 2026, in Castroville.

Born Jan. 22, 1943, in Dallas, he was the son of Lewis and Ann Lou Shelby Mathews of Uvalde.

Al proudly served in the United States Navy, and some of his fondest memories were from his time stationed in Japan—stories he shared often and vividly with his family. That love of Japan became part of his legacy, inspiring each of his children to one day visit and experience the places he held so dear. He had a lifelong love of poker, which brought him many hours of enjoyment and remained a steady source of joy even in his final days. Above all, his greatest strength was his capacity to love. He stood faithfully beside his first wife through her medical challenges and remained devoted at the bedside of his second wife until her passing. He was deeply proud that all three of his children chose careers in education, and he found great happiness in watching his grandchildren grow, especially welcoming his first great-grandchild into the family.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wives, Jacqueline Ann Harris Dodds Mathews and Mary Emma Britsch Prescott Mathews.

He is survived by his sons, Lewis Howard Mathews (Mina) of Castroville and Timothy Mathews (Dodie) of New Mexico; daughter, Sandra Sexton (Jeremy) of D'Hanis; grandchildren, Leah, Xander and Robert; and great-grandson, Jackson.

Honoring his request, a service is not being planned.

Memorials may be made to Bluebonnet Children's Advocacy Center or Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA), where he devoted many hours volunteering in service to children in need.

GUINN-HORGER