Don Mathew

Donald Ernest Mathew, 71, passed away at his home in Ruidoso, New Mexico on August 11, 2025, after an extended illness. He was born on June 15, 1954, in Sheridan, Wyoming to Laurence and Ellen Betty (Zickrick) Mathew. He graduated from Sheridan High School in 1972 and married Jane Zelenka on December 31, 1981.

They made their home in Sheridan and had one daughter, Susan. He was a surveyor for the Wyoming Department of Transportation for over forty years. After retiring, he moved to Texas to live next door to his daughter and grandsons, ensuring he was a daily fixture in their lives.

As a young man, he was introduced to the Bighorn Mountains by an uncle. The mountains became his lifelong interest, but skiing was his ultimate passion. He went to Europe to ski the Alps at Zermatt (and skied off an avalanche!), worked ski patrol to ski free at Lake Tahoe, went to college in Colorado to ski at various resorts, and skied at Jackson Hole before it was expensive. An expert skier, his favorite and final chairlift companion was his daughter. He loved skiing, but he loved his family the most.

He was also an excellent musician. He played piano early on, switching to snare drum in middle/high school. He played with the American Legion 7th Cavalry Drum and Bugle Corps in Sheridan for thirty years, faithfully attending practices and parades throughout Wyoming and Montana. He performed for family and friends throughout his life, sharing his musical talent with multiple generations.

Don led a quiet but full life, showing how to live within one’s means, make time for hobbies, and surround one’s self with the people who mean the most.

He was preceded in death by his parents. His is survived by his loving wife Jane Zelenka, his sisters Jeanine Jackson and Reenie Cynova, his daughter Susan (Brad) Wootton, and his grandsons Alexander and Benjamin Wootton. No services are planned. In Don’s memory, his family suggests – “get out and go for a hike”. Donations may be made in his memory to Sheridan Community Land Trust, PO Box 7185, Sheridan, WY 82801 or online at https://sheridanclt.org/donate/