CREVE COEUR, Mo. — Martin Mathews, the co-founder of Mathews-Dickey Boys' and Girls' Club, died Wednesday in Creve Coeur. He was 97.
Funeral services for Mr. Mathews will be held at Washington University's Graham Chapel at 10 a.m. Thursday, Nov. 17. He will lie in state from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., Wednesday, Nov. 16 at the club's headquarters located at 4245 North Kingshighway Boulevard.
He grew up in Southeast Missouri before moving to St. Louis with his family.
In the mid-1950's kids would come to Mr. Mathews' porch and beg the former player for lessons. His coaching led him to Handy Park where he met Hubert "Dickey" Ballentine. Together they created the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club in 1959. Their current building is near Kingshighway & I-70.
Current club director Tom Sullivan said the staff was saddened by Mathews' passing.
"What we are really going through is a state of shock," Sullivan said. "No one lives forever, we know Mr. Mathews was loaned to us but it's the type of loan you don't want to let go. We have been fortunate enough to lead and teach children how to become good citizens."
The club produced thousands of success stories from pro athletes, politicians, CEOs and community leaders. Randy Sanderson first started playing baseball for the club in the 1960's. He umpired, sat on the board of directors, and even became Chief Financial Officer for a few years. He's also the Chairman of Wade Funeral Home.
"I consider Mr. Mathews a saint," Sanderson said. "He had a knack for working with the youth. He wanted every youth in St. Louis to be successful. I never saw Mr. Mathews get mad. He always had a smile. No matter what the situation was or what a child did. Mr. Mathews would sit down and have a face-to-face conversation."
The success of the club gained national attention. On many occasions, presidents, politicians, celebrities and pro athletes all stopped by the club and awarded the hard work of Ballentine and Mathews.
Mathews-Dickey Boys' and Girls' Club provides educational support, recreation programs and mentoring to young people.
5 On Your Side, and the TEGNA Foundation, the charitable foundation sponsored by TEGNA Inc., awarded the club a $10,000 grant. It was one of three grants totaling $40,000 in 2021.
Community grants in St. Louis are aimed at addressing needs made more urgent by the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, including hunger, law enforcement, mental health services and employment opportunities for at-risk youth.
In lieu of flowers, friends are asked to send donations to the Martin Mathews Legacy Fund at the club.
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