Norman E. Mathews

Norman E. Mathews, 94, of Haines City, Florida passed away peacefully at the Hospice House of Lakeland on July 10, 2026, of natural causes. He was surrounded by family and friends. He was born on July 30, 1931, and was a lifelong resident and businessman of Haines City. Norman met his wife while in the Army, stationed in Japan after WW II. They were married for 55 years and had 10 kids along the way. He taught them all how to work hard and be self-sufficient. He owned and operated Land & Lake Development Co., HMS Diesel Truck Parts, HMS Service Company and HMS Hose & Hydraulics.

Later in life he had a passion for restoring antique cars. He enjoyed displaying his handy work at many local car shows. Another hobby was woodworking. He owned his own sawmill and cut a lot of his wood. He built three houses with the help of his wife and kids.

Mr. Mathews is predeceased by his parents William A. and Rossie L. Miller Mathews; brothers, JD and James Mathews; sisters, Vera Mae Jennings and Ruby Gaskins; his loving wife, Yoshika Mathews; daughter, Sandra Collins; son-in-law, Patrick Collins; son, Craig E. Mathews; daughter-in-law, Martha Mathews; grandson, Bryceton Mathews; great grandson, Mason Ferby and great granddaughter, Oaklyn Townshend.

Norman is survived by his sons, Tony Howard Mathews, and his wife, Karen of Turtletown, TN, Raymond Earl Mathews and his wife, Susan of Polk City, Fl, David Brian "Dayday" Mathews of Haines City, FL, Louis Monroe Mathews and his wife, Pam of Lynnville, TN, and Bruce Wayne "Rooster" Mathews and his wife, Wendy of Haines City, FL; daughters, Linda Darlene "Sugar" Lotts and her husband, Paul of Okeechobee, FL, Katrina Yoshika "Doll" Weaver and her husband, John of Haines City, Fl, and Brenda Sue "Susie" Mathews also of Haines City, FL; and 39 grandkids, as well as 61 great grandkids.

A visitation will be Friday, July 17, 2026, from 5-7 pm at Oak Ridge Funeral Care. A funeral will be on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at 11 am at Landmark Baptist Church.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to the Lakeland Hospice House, https://www.chaptershealth.org/chapters-health-foundation/chapters-health-foundation-donation Or to the Wounded Warrior Project https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/