William Doran Mathews

William “Bill” Doran Mathews was born in Helena, Montana, on November 22, 1935, to his parents William “Bill” and Doris Mathews. He attended Helena High School until his Junior year when his family moved to Butte, Montana, where he graduated in 1954.  After graduation, Bill enlisted in the Army and attended bootcamp at Camp Pendleton and was stationed in Germany. 

Upon completing his service in 1956, Bill returned to Montana where he attended the University of Montana in Missoula (Go Grizzlies!).  This is where he met the love of his life, DeAnn Beauchamp.  They were married on August 9, 1957.  After they moved to an off-campus apartment, life became very busy when Deborah (Debbie) arrived.  Working at the bowling alley, selling tobacco products, and juggling family and school were all very important to Bill.  In 1959, Bill and DeAnn welcomed their 2^nd daughter, Dennie. 

Upon graduating in 1960, he and DeAnn packed up the car and headed to Live Oak, California.  His first job in Education would start at Live Oak High School where he taught Biology and English, and he coached Varsity Basketball as well. 

In 1965, the family moved to Susanville where Bill went to work at Lassen High School.  The first 6 years, he served as a teacher in English and Science, Director of Student Activities, Basketball Coach and Head Counselor.  Year 7, he assumed the position as Dean of Students. He earned his Master’s Degree at Chico State in 1974 and was promoted to Principal. 

In the summer of 1976, Bill and DeAnn moved to San Jose, where Bill became Principal of Live Oak High School in Morgan Hill, California.  In 7 years, Bill created an environment at Live Oak High School that bought the community, students, and staff together.

Bill and DeAnn moved to Yreka in 1984.  Out of 53 candidates, Bill was chosen as the Superintendent for Yreka Union High School.

Bill held numerous board positions, mentored many, and retired about 5 times.  He was asked to work for ACSA- Association of California School Administrators, he sat on the board for a Time Share for over 20 years; which allowed for Bill and DeAnn to visit the beautiful islands of Hawaii over 50 times.  Bill was an expert witness for the State of California, Office of the Courts regarding educational cases.

Bill loved- Family, friends, golf, Budweiser with a shake of salt, banana cream pie, apple pie with cheddar cheese, anything with catsup (even spaghetti), a good James Patterson book, family dinners, traveling, Granny Smith apples with salt, anything with a “ball”, and neighborhood dinners in the court, He loved to compete (and win), watch his kids, grandkids and great grandchildren grow, and adored and was devoted to DeAnn.

= = = = = = = = =

Please consider a donation in Bill's honor to JDRF, an organization that is working hard to create a world without Type 1 Diabetes. Bill supported this effort for his sweet great granddaughter, Sloanie. JDRF - Diabetes - Type 1 Diabetes Research, Advocacy, and Support .