Donald John Matthews, 70, died Friday, Nov. 16, 2007 following a lengthy illness.
He was born Dec. 1, 1936 in Escanaba, Mich., the son of Edwin J. and Bessie Bowden Matthews.
He graduated from Escanaba High School with the class of 1955. While in high school he enjoyed various athletics, especially golf. He caddied at the Escanaba Golf Club and was a member of his school’s golf team.
Following high school he entered the Air Force based in Abalena, Texas, and he later worked for commercial airlines in ticketing. He went on complete training for pipe fitting and instrumentation in Minnesota and worked as a pipe fitter most of his life. He also owned and operated a heating business during this period and worked for a time as a mechanical inspector for the state of Michigan.
He was an avid reading of current events, history and governmental affairs. He entered politics and served a term as Delta County (Mich.) Drain Commissioner and later was chairman of the Upper Peninsula regions grass roots campaign for the Ross Perot for President effort.
His interests also included traveling and coin collecting and he actively participated in many activities in the Spanish Cove Community in Lillian, where he and his wife Joanne moved in 1999 after several years of traveling around the country in their motor home.
He was preceded in death by his parents and older brother, Lewellyn Thomas “Tom” Matthews.
He will be sadly missed by his wife of 25 years and his friends and family who will remember him for his help and generosity at all times.
Survivors include his wife, Joanne Smith Matthews, formerly of Youngstown, Ohio, whom he married in 1982; children, Kim (Ronald) Fulcher of Munsing, Mich., Kevin Matthews of Escanaba, Mich., and Monty Matthews of Burnsville, Minn.; step-daughter, Patricia Nesberg of Lillian; step-son, George Freeman of Oregon; sisters, Jean Matthews of Escanaba, Mich., Katerhine Weber of Phoenix, Evelyn Caria of Rockford, Ill.; sister-in-law, Barbara Matthews of Lansing, Mich.; nephews, Frank (Carol) Cerlo of Bartlett, Ill; Mark (Deidre) Matthews of Mason, Mich.; nieces, Robin (Steve) Smith of Eagle, Mich., Kathy (Daniel) Reid of Charlotte, Mich., Delores Matthews of Lansing, Mich., and Rawleen Cerlo of Rockford, Ill.; five grandchildren and one great-grandchild.
An informal reception for friend and neighbors in his memory will be held from 3 to 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 2 at the Spanish Cove Clubhouse in Lillian. A get-together for family and friends in Michigan will be held at a later date.
Cremation arrangements are by Mack Funeral Home Inc., Robertsdale.
