Johnny E. “Abie” Mathews, 76, Lake Drive, Rio Grande, died unexpectedly Tuesday, April 25, 2006, in the Emergency Department at the Holzer Medical Center.

Born March 20, 1930, in Erwin, Ten., he was the son of the late Marion Mathews and Mary Lou Cremeans Mathews Ducommon. He was a businessman in the Gallipolis area for over 40 years, and was the owner and operator of Abie's Auto Systems and Johnny Mathews Properties.

He was a U.S. Army veteran and was a member of the Antique Classic Car Club of America. Abie owned several classic Lincolns he proudly showed at major events on the east coast.

Surviving are his wife, mary Catherine “Kate” Albrecht Mathews, whom he married Aug. 14, 1950, in Portsmouth; a daughter, Patricia Ross, of Rio Grande; two sons, Johnny (Terrie) Mathews Jr., of Oak Hill, and Tommy (Pam) Mathews, of Gallipolis; four grandchildren, Nathan Mathews, T.J. Mathews, Timmy Mathews and Katie Mathews; a brother, Harold Mathews, of Safety Harbor Fla.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Robert Mathews and Buddy Mathews.

Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Saturday, April 29, 2006, in the Cremeens Funeral Chapel. Officiating will be the Rev. Alfred Holley. Interment will be in the Tyn Rhos Cemetery. Friends may call from 6-9 p.m. Friday at the Cremeens Funeral Chapel.

Casketbearers are Jim Mink, Don Mink, Johnny Mathews Jr., Nathan Mathews, Tommy Mathews, T.J. Mathews, Timmy Mathews and Craig Shockey.

Military graveside services will be conducted by the Funeral Detail Team of the Gallia County Veterans Organizations.