Wesley William Mathewson, 83, a resident of Ridgecrest, CA, for 42 years, passed away on July 3, 2023, after a lengthy battle with cancer. He passed away at his home with his loving family by his side.
Wes is survived by his wife Joan of 42 years. He was preceded in death by his son Christopher and sister Jolene Grasma of Dakota Dunes and daughter Mindy Smith; he is survived by his daughter Ingrid, son Frederick and daughter Beki of Ridgecrest, CA. and his grandchildren; Stasia, Joshua, Nicholas, Alexander, Christopher, Kevin, Gabriella, Brandon, and Faith. We had four great-grandchildren and many relatives in Iowa and South Dakota.
Wes was born in Sioux City, IA, on March 20, 1940. He attended school in Arnolds Park, IA. He attended Broward College with an A.A. and Florida Atlantic University with a B.S. in Marketing and Microeconomics until he enlisted in the United States Navy. He served three tours in Vietnam and was the Commanding Officers Radioman on four ships. After retiring, he worked at the Naval Weapons Center in China Lake as Civil Service and as a contractor.
Everyone loved hearing his stories about Iowa when he was growing up and listening to his cricket sound. He had a lot of fun with that in stores! We enjoyed talking to everyone, whether he knew them or not. He loved writing poetry to his wife, gardening, woodworking, barbecuing for his family, and just being together and having fun.
Wes was a fantastic husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and his wife’s best friend. Everyone will sorely miss him.