William R. Mathews

William R. Mathews, 72, of Cross Plains passed away at 11pm, Thursday, June 17, 2021 at St. Elizabeth Dearborn Hospital in Lawrenceburg. He was born at the Whitlatch Clinic in Milan on May 29, 1949 the son of William and Virginia (Peters) Mathews. He was married to Carolyn Gardner on December 11, 1971 and his wife of 49 years survives.

Other survivors include one son Michael (Anna) Mathews of Greenwood, and two grandchildren Graham William and Lainey. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother Kenny.

Mr. Mathews attended school in Cross Plains and was a 1967 graduate of South Ripley High School. He was an Army veteran of the Vietnam War where he was stationed in Germany testing tanks. In civilian life, Bill worked as a machinist for Cummins for 31 years. Upon retirement, he graduated from Missouri Auction School and became a license auctioneer. He has conducted many sales throughout the county. Bill was an accomplished mechanic, having built pulling tractors, a 1955 Chevy, and a 1934 Plymouth. As an avid IU basketball fan, Bill rarely missed watching a game. Bill was a member of the Cross Plains United Methodist Church and the Brown Township American Legion.

Funeral services will be held on Thursday, June 24th at 10:30am at the Stratton-Karsteter Funeral Home in Versailles with Randy Thieman officiating. Burial will be in the Methodist Cemetery at Cross Plains with military honors by the Brown Township American Legion. Visitation will be on Wednesday from 4pm to 7pm. Memorials may be given to the Brown Township American Legion or the Cross Plains Methodist Cemetery in care of the funeral home.