Kansas farrier Jerry Mathews passed away August 1, 2026. He was 77.

Mathews served for 4 years in the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Afterward, he worked at a rock quarry while building his farrier business. On top of working with horses, Mathews raised and bred service dogs for many years.

"Jerry helped us get the Kansas Farrier's Association back up and running when I was a brand new farrier. We sat around a table at a BBQ joint, and I got to listen about the past, and we made plans for the future," says Florida farrier Jon Johnson on Facebook.

Mathews was well-loved in his community. He will be remembered as a man of quiet strength and unwavering kindness whose humor and humility offered solace even in moments of trial. He is survived by his son, three siblings and many family and friends. He will be honored with a full military service, of which updates can be found through farrier Lonnie Miller on Facebook.