Robert Wayne Mathews

Robert Wayne Mathews, a long-time Santa Fe resident, died on September 18 at the age of 88. A devoted family man, accomplished engineer and dedicated community servant, Robert lived a life marked by curiosity, integrity and quiet strength.

Robert was born in West Monroe, Louisiana on January 12, 1937, and he graduated from West Monroe High School in 1955. He went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering at Louisiana Tech University in 1958. His passion for learning never waned: he continued to study the sciences and humanities throughout his life.

Robert began his professional career at Temco Aircraft Company in Garland, Texas in 1959. In 1961, he joined Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he remained until his retirement in 2004. At LANL, he worked in metrology and environmental testing- fields that suited his meticulous nature and deep commitment to precision. His work frequently took him to the Nevada Test Site and included an especially meaningful eight-month assignment with the department of Energy in Washington DC, where he contributed to the Nuclear Materials Stabilization Task Force.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Robert was deeply committed to service and community. He was an active member of the Los Alamos Civitan Club for more than 2 decades, embodying their mission through volunteerism and civic engagement. Later in life, he dedicated his time to the Rio Grande Alcoholism Treatment Center, where he served as a board member until his death.

Robert’s personal life was rich with love and shared experiences. He enjoyed fishing with his father during his youth, and as a father himself, he delighted in boating and waterskiing with his children. With his beloved wife of 54 years, Shirley, Robert traveled extensively throughout the Us, visiting national monuments- journeys that reflected their shared love of history and exploration.

He was a man of deep faith and was an active member of Saint Beade’s Episcopal Church in Santa Fe until health issues limited his attendance. Known for being diplomatic and exacting in all things, Robert also believed strongly in second chances, a value reflected both personally and professionally throughout his life.

Robert is survived by his daughters Sandra Ortiz and Ann Mathews; son-in-law Ernesto Torres; grandsons Robby Ortiz, Matthew Ortiz, Sebastian Torres and Cameron Torres, and several great- and great-great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Mathews; son Gregory Mathews; and granddaughter Sarah Stump.

Avid reader, lifelong learner, devoted friend, Robert Mathews leaves behind a legacy of integrity and thoughtful service. May his memory bring comfort to those who knew him.

 A funeral service will be held on October 10, 2025 from 10:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Rivera Funeral home, 417 East Rodeo Road, Santa Fe, NM.