Barry "Beast" Mathews

Barry ‘Beast’ Mathews 1944-2022 April 2, 1944 - August 25, 2022 Barry Eugene “Beast’ Mathews. Age 78 of Grosse Ile, MI Beloved husband of Christine Mathews. Loving & proud father of Monica and Ian (Jenny). Dearest Papa of IJ and Madison. Preceded in death by his parents, Bessie Mae & Walter Mathews and PIL, Mila & Joseph Bodnar. Family Tribute Barry was a beloved husband, father, and grandfather who loved his family unconditionally. He was raised in Alabama with the help of his Mama Della Whitley. Seeking a better life, his parents moved Barry to Michigan when he was six years old and he carried his southern accent all his years. He graduated from Ecorse High School excelling at football, baseball and shot put. After graduating, Barry followed his father as a steelworker at Great Lakes Steel where he served for 40 tireless years. He coached and played on ‘touch’ football and multiple softball teams each season until he was past 40, earning the nickname of “Beast” for his imposing size and tenacity. Barry had many friends. He met his wife in the local grocery store at age 18, married at 23, and they raised their children in Trenton, celebrating their 55th anniversary in July. Barry was devoted to his children, coaching several championship teams in youth baseball and football. He worked the grueling swing shift at Great Lakes Steel so that he could watch his kids during the day while Chris worked as a teacher. He compassionately cared for ailing Mila & Joe for 3 years with his wife. His father, Walt, lived with them for 12 years. Barry could be the life of the party and was known for his sports trivia, story-telling, and perfectly timed one-liners. In recent years, he embraced technology and virtually followed every one of his grandson’s games in Virginia. His family always felt his love and devotion. Barry was smart, patient, dependable, hard-working, tender-hearted, and held fast to his convictions throughout his life. Barry’s personality was larger than life; the twinkle in his eye and his contagious laugh will be missed by so many. Donations in Barry’s name to St. Jude’s Research Hospital. Barry had a special place in his heart for children. https://www.stjude.org/