The family of Melvin Leon Mathews is saddened to share the news of his death. Mel died peacefully at home accompanied by family on August 22, 2023. Mel was the son of Thomas and Clista Mathews and was born on February 21, 1937 in Bridgeport, Oklahoma. In 1943, he accompanied his family when they moved to California. In 1945, his family moved from Hollister to Hanford, California where he would reside for the rest of his life.

Mel attended Lakeside Elementary School and graduated from Hanford High School in 1956. In 1959, he married his high-school sweetheart, Loretta Gay Mathews. Mel attended College of the Sequoias before joining the Hanford Fire Department as a firefighter in 1958. The Department recognized his excellent service when he was selected to be the first Fire Prevention Officer for the City of Hanford and awarded the rank of Lieutenant in 1963. In 1964, he was promoted to the rank of Captain. In September 1974, Mel was appointed as the first Fire Marshal for the City of Hanford, a position which he held until his retirement in 1996. Also in 1974, he was selected as the City of Hanford Field Employee of the Year.

In his years as Fire Marshal, Mel devoted his professional energies to fire prevention, education, code enforcement, and arson investigation. Over the years, he became a highly respected and widely loved public servant among the residents of Hanford and Kings County. In 1996, on the occasion of his retirement, State Senator Jim Costa and Assembly Member Brian Setencich noted that Mel was "renowned for the professional manner in which he carried out his duties" and that "throughout his years with the Hanford Fire Department, he …amass[ed] a wealth of experience that he willingly shared with individuals at all levels." Their official resolution also highlighted the fact "that the high standards to which he adhere[d]…earned him the respect and friendship of those individuals with whom he was associated." Similar words of praise were echoed in a resolution passed unanimously by the Hanford City Council in 1996.

Throughout his career, Mel continued his education in cooperation with the California State Fire Marshal's Office and the California Conference of Arson Investigators to adapt to the changing demands of his field. He also served as the President of the Central Valley Arson Investigators Association.

When not serving the public, Mel enjoyed leisure time in the outdoors. In earlier years, he enjoyed boating, water and snow skiing, fishing, and time with his family at the beach. Later in life, he enjoyed working in his yard and visiting with his many grandchildren and great grandchildren, to whom he was deeply devoted.

Mel was preceded in death by his spouse of 58 years, Loretta Gay Mathews, who died in 2018. He is survived by his four sons and their spouses: Melvin J.T. Mathews and Patty Cabanas Mathews, Mark and Becky Mathews, Matthew Mathews and Kendra G. Hotz, and Mason and Linzi Mathews. Mel will be lovingly remembered by his seven grandchildren and 11 great grandchildren. Throughout his life, Mel was also close to his 11 siblings, five of whom survive him: Rosemary Grayson, Barbara Mikkelson, Margaret Whitten, Ralph Mathews, and Hank Mathews.

The family wishes to thank the physicians and healthcare professionals who cared for him during his final illness. With their care and support, Mel was able to live well and embrace life joyfully in his final years.

A graveside memorial service will be held October 16 at 10:30a.m. at Grangeville Cemetery, 10428 14th Ave., Armona. California.
Following the service, there will be a reception to celebrate his life and memory.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites donations in Mel's honor to the Episcopal Church of the Saviour Soup Kitchen.
Donations earmarked "Soup Kitchen" may be mailed to Episcopal Church of the Saviour,
519 N. Douty St., Hanford, CA 93230.