Vance Jordan Matthews

BURLEY – Vance Jordan Matthews, age 67, passed away on Friday, Feb. 20, 2015, at his home in Burley, Idaho, surrounded by his family.

Vance was born April 26, 1947, in Oakley Idaho, to Jean Walbridge Jordan Matthews and Hal Reynolds Matthews. They lived in Burley, Idaho, where Vance attended school, becoming a leader among his classmates. During his youth, he was involved in the family businesses at Thriftway Drug in Burley, where his father was the pharmacist, and at the farming and ranching properties south of Burley, where Vance milked cows and tended cattle with his siblings. He joined the 4-H and FFA programs, and was active in both sports and music. He played basketball and football at Burley Junior High School and continued playing football at Burley High School. The highlight of his activities in sports came during his senior year when he kicked a field goal against Minico in the final minutes of the game, enabling Burley to win the 1965 championship.

Vance’s talents in music manifested early and were encouraged by his parents who also loved music. He played the trumpet in Burley school bands and participated in school and church choirs throughout his youth. During his senior year in high school, he played the part of Judd Fry in the production of “Oklahoma,” sang bass in a special quartet, and was chosen as president of the Bel Cantos high school choir. He continued singing in church and community choirs throughout his life, most recently as a member of the Oakley Men’s Chorus.

Vance graduated from Burley High school in 1965. He married Judith Tjadin in 1965, with whom he had two sons, John Todd Maier and Mark Daniel Maier. Following a divorce, he married Sherry Jensen in 1968, becoming a father to two more sons, Scott Barton Grimmett and Todd Jay Grimmett. Vance and Sherry added to the family with Nichole Jean Matthews, Kristin May Matthews, and James Hilton Matthews. Following Sherry’s death in 1976, Vance married Joan Sorenson in 1982 (sealed 1998 in the Bountiful Utah LDS Temple), who brought Lon Dee Sorenson, Sonnie Sorenson, and M. Lance Sorenson into the family, for a total of ten children.

Vance attended Idaho State University, and was proud of the time he served his country in the United States Army, graduating from Officer’s Candidate School and serving as a 1st lieutenant during his time in Germany, 1969-1970. After returning to Burley, Idaho, Vance worked in the family farming operation, later becoming a commodities broker dealing primarily with potatoes. He continued in this profession through the rest of his life, forming many working relationships and treasured friendships.

Vance was active in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, serving in various positions and singing in the choir. One of his final acts was gathering some of his grandchildren to testify of his faith in and love for his Savior, Jesus Christ.

Vance’s greatest joys in life were the love of his family and the company of his friends. He especially enjoyed spending time with his grandchildren and supporting them in their special events and endeavors.

Vance is survived by his wife, Joan Sorenson Matthews; his children, Scott Barton (Betsy) Grimmett, Todd Jay (Lori) Grimmett, Lon Dee (Michelle) Sorenson, John Todd (Shirley) Maier, Sonnie Sorenson Holmberg, Mark Daniel (Nicole) Maier, Nichole Matthews (John) Hunter, M. Lance (Tami) Sorenson, Kristin May Matthews, and James Hilton Matthews; 35 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren, with another on the way; two brothers, Hal Parley “Pete” (Betsy) Matthews, and E. Eugene (Heidi) Matthews; and his sister, Holly Matthews (Brent) Larsen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Hal Reynolds Matthews and Jean Walbridge Jordan Matthews; two brothers, Harrison Ray Matthews and Maurice James “Jim” Matthews; a wife, Sherry Ann Jensen Matthews; a grandson, Wyatt Maier.

The funeral will be held at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, at the Pella LDS Church, 160 W. 400 S., of Burley, with Bishop Trent Robinson officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Mini-Cassia Veterans Organization. Burial will be in the Oakley Cemetery.

Friends may call from 6 until 8 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 24, at the Rasmussen Funeral Home, 1350 E. 16th St., in Burley, and from 10 until 10:45 a.m. Wednesday at the church.