Kent Mathew

Kent James Mathew, 64, of Princeton, Illinois died Wednesday, July 30, 2025. Kent passed peacefully at home, after bravely battling ALS surrounded by his wife and children, and their spouses. He was born on March 27, 1961 in Sterling the son of James and Ronette (Shawger) Mathew. He married Julie Payne on November 29, 1986 at the Walnut United Methodist Church. Kent farmed his entire life alongside his father, later joined by his wife, and most recently with his son-in-law Andrew. His daughter Emily and her husband Andrew Nelson are continuing his legacy on the family farm. He was an active member of the Walnut United Methodist Church where he was a trustee for many years. He was also a member of the Bureau County Farm Bureau and a Bureau Township trustee. Kent was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Chicago Bears. Most of all, Kent was a caring, always present, and loving husband, Dad, and Grandpa. Survivors include his wife, Julie; daughters: Mallorie (Jason) Miller of Peru and Emily (Andrew) Nelson of Geneseo; son, Taylor (Samantha) Mathew of Geneseo; sister, Nancy (Kevin) Bare of Walnut; brother, Mark (Mary Lou) Mathew of LaHarpe; ten grandchildren: Myla, Elliot, Luca, Miles, Henry, Max, Cameron, Nora, Maggie, and June; his very special uncle, Jerry Mathew of Morrison; nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Jim and Ronette Mathew; nephew, Micah Mathew; brothers-in-law, Jeff Payne, Jay Payne, and Bruce Gonigam; sister-in-law, Jan Monier; mother-in-law, Betty Payne; and father-in-law, Harold (Mick) Payne. Visitation will be Tuesday August 5, 2025 from 5-7 PM at the Garland Funeral Home in Walnut. The funeral will follow on Wednesday at 10 AM at the Walnut United Methodist Church. Burial will conclude at Walnut Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials have been established to ALS-TDI Donate | ALS Therapy Development Institute or the Walnut United Methodist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Kent Mathew, please visit our floral store.