Allyn "Mac" McVey Mathews died peacefully in his home surrounded by his family after a long battle with non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

He was born on September 23, 1937 in Southwest City Oklahoma (the cornerstone of three states OK, AR, MO) to Byron and Minnie (Hopkins) Mathews.

He is survived by his loving wife of 20 years Margaret, three daughters, Alisa Bookout and husband Mark (Rogersville), Vicki Campbell Wetzel (Springfield), Julie Looney and husband Bob (Bella Vista, AR), step-children Bill Mabary and wife Stephanie (Springfield) and Jennifer Sergi and husband Nick (San Antonio, TX). Grandchildren, Joshua Bookout, Ashley Staten and husband Jeff, Rachel Campbell and Terrence, Chelsea Campbell, Emily Benton, Sara Benton, Chandler Benton, Katie Marquess, Marci Mabary, Holley Mabary, Abbi Brown, Carolyn Sergi and three great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his older sister Betty Lea John (Joplin) and his younger sister Judy Thornton (Oklahoma) and a nephew and three nieces.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife and sweetheart Peggy Mathews (Eaton), his older sister Joann, brother-in-law and friend Clarence "Pinky" John and good friends that were important to his life.

Allyn "Mac" lived life to the fullest! He was a man of many talents and wore many hats throughout his life. He grew up in a small town (Southwest City MO) where he began his first business at age 11 as owner of a paper route delivering newspapers from his bicycle. His career path included tool and die, real estate, coaching baseball and basketball, PE and History teacher, Principal and COE Coordinator of Logan-Rogersville High School and later Superintendent of other rural schools. Outside of his teaching career he and his wife Peggy also owned the Rogersville Dairy Cup and Fordland AM-PM grocery store.

He graduated from Southwest City School in 1955 and went on to Northeastern A&M graduating in 1957 with ROTC honors. In 1963 he attended SMS and achieved a B.S. degree in Education. He furthered his teaching education with a master's degree from CMSU (Warrensburg) in 1968 and later a specialist degree from SMSU in 1979.

He had many hobbies and interest (too many to list). A few that he was most passionate about include golfing, dancing, singing, playing guitar and banjo, along with writing his own songs and poetry. He also enjoyed traveling, playing in poker tournaments, small hobby farming, gardening and canning, sports, antique collector of dishes, restoration of old cars (street rods) camelback trunks, and bicycles, reading, and prayer. The list goes on…..

He had a generous heart and was a believer in giving back to community. He served on many boards of community and Church organizations.  He was also a member of the Elks Lodge 409 for 50 plus years! In his last few weeks of his life his vision for building a pavilion structure at the Horton Smith Golf Course has begun. His legacy will be remembered by his golfing buddies for the idea and financial contribution.  He was also passionate and supported his furry friends at CARE.

Mac (Dad) had an adventurous spirit and a heart that loved deeply. But mostly he loved being a husband, father, grandfather and spending time with family. He will be forever loved and missed.