Larry Gene Matthews, 86

Larry Gene Matthews passed away Jan. 15, 2024, at Kootenai Health after a short illness.  

He was born in Grangeville, Idaho, on June 27, 1937, to William L. and Mabel B. Matthews, joining his older brother, Wade Matthews.  

Larry grew up in Grangeville, where he met and married Arlene Hildreth in Lewiston, Idaho, on Nov. 12, 1956, and started their family. Their two older children, Harold and Darla, were both born in Grangeville before moving to the Coeur d’Alene area, where they continued growing their family with the addition of Bill Lee and Larry Dale.  

Larry worked in sawmills in Grangeville, with a short stint with the Forest Service. He continued to work in sawmills, eventually retiring from Louisiana Pacific as a lumber grader.

He enjoyed the outdoors and was an avid houndsman, hunter and fisherman throughout his life, until MS made it impossible. He also enjoyed hobbies such as CB Radio, his handle was Beardog, and the ham radio, his handle was W7LGM.

His loving wife of 50 years, Arlene, passed away in 2007. Larry later met Nelvina Mitchell and they were married Sept. 11, 2009, and were very happy until her death in July 2020.

Larry will be missed by not only his family, but the many friends he made throughout his life.  

Larry is survived by his son, Harold E. (Debbie) Matthews, Hayden, Idaho; daughter Darla (Ritchey) Lynn, McMinnville, Ore.; son Bill Lee (Julia LeRoy) Matthews, Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; and son Larry Dale Matthews, Post Falls, Idaho; 12 grandchildren and 20 great-grandchildren.

He is preceded in death by his parents, William L. and Mabel B. Matthews; his brother, Wade Matthews; both of his wives, Arlene Matthews and Nelvina Matthews; and granddaughter Trisha Mayo.

There will not be a service, at his request. He desired to have his ashes spread along the shores of his beloved Lake Coeur d’Alene “where the blueback are biting.”

Yates Funeral Home is entrusted with care of arrangements. Please visit Larry’s memorial and sign his online guestbook at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com.