Roland E. Mathews

Roland Eugene Mathews was born on August 10, 1933, in Natalbany, Louisiana, and passed away on June 8, 2026, at The Crossing in Baton Rouge, La. Dad was retired from Allied Chemical in Baton Rouge, where he worked for 38 years, and a veteran of the United States Navy, serving in the Korean Conflict. 

Dad was preceded in death by his loving wife, Rita Wagner Mathews; parents, Leonard Edward Mathews and Clara Chapman Mathews; brothers, Thomas Edward Mathews, Bobby Mathews, John David Mathews; and his daughter-in-law of 45 years, Theresa Mathews.

He survived by his daughter, Stephanie Mathews Meade and husband James Meade; son, Michael J. Mathews; son Andrew E. Mathews; seven grandchildren, Christine Jenkins (William), Shelby Martinez, Eric Mathews (Paige), Brian Mathews (Amanda), Misty Mathews, April Mathews, Andrea Mathews; and 9 great-grandchildren; sister, Sandra Mathews McCollister (Don); 3 sisters-in-law and one brother-in-law.

Dad lived most of his life in Baton Rouge and was proud to say he attended Istroma High School. After the Navy and a very short courtship with our dear sweet mother (6 weeks total from the day of their first date to the date of marriage on April 21, 1956), they started their life together in Baton Rouge, then moved to Baker in 1963, and lived there till 1993, when Dad decided to move Mom to Albany, Louisiana where they lived out their lives. Being married to our mom for a total of 67 years, Dad had prayed to live just one day longer than our mom, but God gave us 1124 days, and we thank the Lord for that honor. Our dad was always active in the churches that they attended, from Fairfield Baptist, First Baptist Church of Baker, to Old Zion Hill Baptist Church.

Our dad was a true LSU fan and traveled to many of the games with his good friend Steve. We can remember lots of Thanksgiving dinners rushed because they were headed to watch LSU play Arkansas in Fayetteville on the Friday after Thanksgiving. In the last months of Dad's life, he and I got to spend a lot of time together, and he said to make sure in his obituary that it stated, "He had a GREAT LIFE". Our father, if you knew him, was a colorful character; everybody who knew Dad probably had their own version of who he was. But, to us, he was our father, and he loved us, and we loved him.

Services will be held at Old Zion Hill Baptist Church at 25890 La. 442, Independence, La, 70442. Viewing will be open to the public from 9:00 am till service starts at 11:00 am on June 11, 2026. A burial will take place at Old Zion Hill Cemetery immediately after completion of the service. 

Arrangements have been entrusted to Harry McKneely & Son Funeral Homes of Hammond and Ponchatoula.