Matthews, Alvin Thomas "Jack"

Jack Matthews Funeral Held Here Sept. 23

Funeral services were held Friday, Sept. 23, from Hubbard Funeral Chapel here for A. T. "Jack" Matthews, with Rev. D. L. R. McDougel officiating. Burial was in Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery.

Mr. Matthews died at 8:25 a.m., Sept. 21, in Youens Hospital, of a heart attack. He had been ill for several months.

A lifelong Weimar area resident, he was born January 9, 1907, at Borden, a son of John Y. and Lella (McMillan) Matthews. He married Felton Mayes on March 5, 1929.

He was owner and operator of a service station here many years ago, and a milk hauler. For many years he was a dairy farmer, and in later years his main interests were farming and livestock.

His wife survives, along with a son and daughter-in-law, Harold Thomas and Sharon Matthews of Naples, Florida,; a daughter, Mrs. Jacklyn Marak of Houston; one grandson, Randy Marak of Houston, and a great-granddaughter, Mindy Brandt; two brothers, Milton Matthews of Eagle Lake and T. R. (Roy) Matthews of Carmickle [sic], Calif.; and three sisters, Mrs. H. M. Cliffe of San Antonio, Mrs. K. L. Wallace and Mrs. Anton Kocurek of La Grange.

Five brothers, two grandsons, two sons-in-law and a granddaughter-in-law preceded him in death.

Pallbearers were Jerry Hudec Sr., Wilbur Otto, Ed Rabel, Buddy Kusey, Jerry Vachala, Heine Beken, Ernest Scott and Walter Scott.

Weimar Mercury, September 29, 1977
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Matthews, Ann (Wilkinson)

WEIMAR LOCAL MATTERS

Mrs. Mathews[sic], mother of Mrs. W. A. Baar, died in this place Friday evening, after a long and lingering illness, and was followed by a large concourse of friends to her final resting place, in the Odd Fellows’ Rest, there to await the ”resurrection morn.” The burial obsequis were performed by J. E. Paine, Esq., in a very solemn and impressive manner. Mrs. M. died as she had lived a truly, pious Christian. She leaves several children to mourn her demise. May the grace of God comfort them in this hour of sore affliction.

Colorado Citizen, April 27, 1882, page 3

Matthews, Berttie (Stockton)

Final Rites Held For Mrs. M. L. Matthews

Friends in the community learned with sadness that Mrs. M. L. (Berttie Stockton) Matthews passed away Tuesday evening, March 2, 1982 at the Eagle Lake Community Hospital in Eagle Lake, Texas.

Funeral services were held Thursday, March 4, 1982, at 2:00 p.m. at the Hubbard Funeral Home in Weimar with interment following in the Weimar Masonic Cemetery. The Rev. Melburn J. Sibley, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, officiated at the services. Serving as pallbearers were Donnie Head, Henry Herder, Raymond Koller, Royce Miller and Buck Wanjura, all of Weimar and Harry Cliffe of San Antonio.

Berttie Stockton was born on February 22, 1914, near Hallettsville in Lavaca County, Texas. She was the only daughter of Lena Pagel and Thomas Fletcher Stockton. Mrs. Matthews grew up in the Hallettsville area and on December 27, 1934, she was united in marriage to Milton Lee Matthews in Weimar. The family lived in the Weimar area until 1941 when they moved to the Mose Thomas Farm near Eagle Lake where they resided for 36 years. In December, 1977, Mr. Matthews retired from active farming for the Thomas family at which time Mitt and Berttie returned to Weimar for their retirement years. Mr. Matthews passed away on October 3, 1978.

Mrs. Matthews is survived by two daughters, Joyce Marie and husband, Melvin J. Stancik of Eagle Lake and Ruby Ann and husband, Charles L. Darnell of Eagle Lake; and one son, John Thomas Matthews and wife Lee Ann of Austin. Seven grandchildren also survive: Johnnie Lee Darnell of Eagle Lake; Darlene Marie and Darrell Milton Stancik of Eagle Lake; and Jodie Lee, Julie Ann, Sharon Elizabeth and John Stockton Matthews of Austin. One brother survives, Dock Lee Stockton of California; one sister-in-law, Mrs. Barbara Sue Stockton of Tucson, Arizona; two nieces, Mrs. Paula Gail Gutzmer, Suzanne Stockton; and one nephew, David Christopher Stockton, all of Tucson, Arizona. Also surviving are a number of cousins.

Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her husband, Milton Lee Matthews; an infant son; her parents and two brothers, C. B. Stockton who gave his life in the service of his country during World War II and Paul Stockton who passed away in 1976 in Tuscon, Arizona.

Berttie Stockton Matthews had been a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake for many years and had participated in the AARP in more recent years.

Sympathy is extended to the family in their great loss.

Eagle Lake Headlight, March 11, 1982
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Matthews, Clarence

A charge of murder was filed Tuesday against Mrs. Gussie Matthews, 34, of Eagle Lake, after she gave Sheriff J. O. Walker a signed statement in the Suuday[sic] shooting of her husband, Clarence Matthews.

Arraigned before Justice of the Peace M. M. Jones at Eagle Lake, she was released under $5,000 bond.

Matthews was shot once in the left side of his chest with a .22 rifle and died a few minutes later.

The wife told the sheriff that when Matthews came home shortly after daylight Sunday she saw him put a neighbor woman out of the car at her house. When he came in, the couple began an argument that turned into a scuffle. She picked up the rifle, an old automatic with one cartridge in it. and he took it away from her. A few minutes later she picked it up again, stepped back about two feet, and shot.

Matthews bled profusely, and his trail of blood bore out the wife’s story that they then started for the car, to take him to the hospital, but that he turned and walked back to the steps where he fell dead. She said she placed the rifle in his hands and first told neighbors he had shot himself. Tuesday morning, however, she went voluntarily to Sheriff Walker’s home and gave him her statement, he said.

Matthews was also about 34 years old. They have no children. [Interment in Union Hill Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, August 27, 1964, page 1

Matthews, David

David Matthews

Funeral services for David Matthews were held February 26 at Union Baptist Church with Rev. L. Terry officiating. Burial was at the Union Hill Cemetery.

David Matthews was born August 28, 1908 in Matthews, Texas to James and Henrietta Hawkins Matthews. He lived in the Eagle Lake area for most of his life. He worked on the railroad for 15 years and at the gravel pits for 15 years before his retirement.

Survivors include his wife of 41 years, Iona Gibbs Matthews; his sister, Della Bell, Tyler; his brother, Ben Matthews, Baytown; numerous nieces and nephews and other relatives and loved ones.

Arrangements were under the direction of Dulany Funeral Home of Eagle Lake.

Pallbearers were Sammy Hurd Sr. Roscoe Hurd, Eddie Hurd, Alvin Hurd, Robert Johnson, and Robert Black Sr. His nephews served as honorary pallbearers.

Colorado County Citizen, March 1, 1984, page 2

Matthews, Eder (Colquest)

Died, at Osage Thursday evening, after a long and painful illness, Mrs. Eda Matthews, the beloved wife of Mr. John Y. Matthews, aged about 25 years. She was the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Colquest of Osage, and spent all the latter years of her life in that quiet, peaceful community. She was a lady of many excellent qualities, a true christian, an ever thoughtful, loving wife and mother, and her death has caused many, many hearts to be burdened with sorrow. She leaves a heartbroken husband and two little children, besides numerous relatives and friends, to mourn the untimely demise of a beloved wife and mother. God pity and comfort them in their deep distress, is the sincere wish of the writer.
[Buried Osage Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, February 24, 1900
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht, contact Rox Ann Johnson

Matthews, Felton (Mayes)

Mrs. Jack Felton Mayes Matthews Funeral Services Held Dec. 16

Felton Mayes Matthews, 98, of Weimar, died December 13, 2004, at Regency Nursing Home in Schulenburg.

A "Celebration of Life" service was held December 16, 2004 at Weimar United Church of Christ with Rev. Dr. Jerry Carpenter officiating.  Interment followed at Masonic Cemetery in Weimar.

Mrs. Matthews was born Sept. 15, 1906 in Oakland, Texas to Jim and Hulda Hollien Mayes, one of six children.

She attended school in Oakland.

She married Alvin Thomas (Jack) Matthews on March 5, 1929 in Weimar and they lived in the Weimar area all their lives.  Mr. Matthews preceded her in death on Sept. 21, 1977.

Mrs. Matthews was a homemaker, and assisted her husband in the dairy and farming business they operated on their farm Northeast of Weimar in the Wildwood community. She loved her farm animals.  She enjoyed doing all types of hand work such as crocheting, tatting and knitting.  She was a member of the Weimar United Church of Christ Dorcus Circle.

She also loved working out doors in her vegatable garden and was an excellant cook.  Her social life consisted of visiting with neighbors, both in person and on the phone.  She looked forward to her Saturday morning drive into Weimar to do her grocery shopping at  ALL the grocery stores in town.  In her later years, she visited her friends at Parkview Manor and played dominos with the residents there.

Mrs Matthews is survived by one daughter, Jacklyn Marak Bartosh of Weimar;  one son, Harold Thomas Matthews of Greensboro, NC; one brother, Jimmie Mayes and wife Audrey of Waco;  two grandsons, Randy Marak and wife Lisa of Weimar and Shaun Thomas Matthews of Greensboro, NC; two great grandaughters, Mindy Brandt Craig of Brenham and Kendall Marak of Weimar; two great great grand children, Dylan Brandt and Peyton Craig of Brenham; four nephews; four nieces; three step grandchildren; five step great grandchildren and a host of other friends and relatives.

Mrs. Matthews was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two sisters, Hertha Mayes and Lucille Miller; two brothers, Mike Mayes and Roy Mayes; one daughter-in-law, Sharon Smith Matthews; two grandsons, Ronnie Brandt and Ricky Marak; one grand daughter-in-law, Terry Grant Brandt and three sons-in-law, Robert Brandt, George Marak and Edwin Bartosh.

Pallbearers were John Dusek, Royce Miller, Jerry Hudec, John Kocurek, Robert Kocurek and John Matthews.

Honorary pallbearers were all her nieces and nephews.

Memorial contributions may be made to United Church of Christ in Weimar or any favorite charity.

Submitted by Jacklyn Marak Bartosh
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Matthews, Frances Sue (Sassar)

Matthews

Mrs. V. T. Matthews passed away August 22 at her Eagle Lake residence following a lengthy illness. Funeral services were held for Mrs. Matthews Saturday, August 24 at the Christ Episcopal Church with the Rev. George Welsch officiating. Arrangements were under the direction of Dulany Funeral Home in Eagle Lake.

Burial was held at the Masonic Cemetery in Eagle Lake.

Mrs. Matthews was born in Bar Harbor, Maine and moved to Eagle Lake 50 years ago. She was a member of Christ Episcopal Church and she played a very active role in many fraternal and civic organizations for many years before her health failed.

She was preceded in death by her parents and her husband, V. T. Matthews who died September 24, 1956.

Survivors include one daughter, Sue Matthews Weller and husband, George, Jr., of Beaumont; one son, John Matthews and wife, Joan, of Eagle Lake; one sister, Mrs. A. S. Hoffman of New Orleans; and seven grandchildren.

Pallbearers were Dick Luna, Steve Balas, Al Reading, David Reading, Kenneth Mahalitc, John Thomas, Clifton Tyler, and Tommy Brasher.

Honorary pallbearers were Robert Samuel Martin, J. N. Frazar, Jr., David Wintermann, Joe D. Luna, Gardner Duncan, Vance Duncan, Eldon Kveton, Robert R. Wells, Jr Harold Thomas, Sidney Perry, and Ben L Reading.

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested memorial contributions to be made to the Eagle Lake Community Hospital.

Colorado County Citizen, September 5, 1985

Matthews, Henry Allen "Rod"

Final Rites for Rod Matthews, 49, Held Here Friday

Funeral services for Henry A. (Rod) Matthews, who was killed in a truck wreck here early Thursday morning, May 7, were held Friday afternoon at Hubbard Funeral Home with interment in Masonic [Odd Fellows] Cemetery. Rev. Howard MacAllister, Methodist pastor, officiated.
Mr. Matthews died instantly when his pickup truck crashed into the rear end of a large truck trailer at 12:30 a.m. Thursday at the intersection just south of Weimar Warehouse & Storage Co., formerly the Weimar Oil Mill. The Nebraska driver of the big truck, its trailer loaded with 35.000 pounds of shelled corn, had stopped his vehicle in the intersection as he was maneuvering to approach the warehouse scales.

An employee of Herder Truck Lines for a number of years, Mr. Matthews had been out of the hospital only four days, after treatment for a blood clot in his arm.

Born here Sept. 21, 1909, a son of Mrs. J. Y. Matthews of Weimar and the late Mr. Matthews, he was a lifelong resident except for the 16 months he spent in the army during World War II.

Surviving in addition to his mother are four brothers, John of Denver, Colorado, Jack of Weimar, Milton of Eagle Lake, Major Roy Matthews of Massachusetts; three sisters, Mrs. Jimmie Wallace of Columbu[s], Mrs. Hattie Mae Cliffe of Groves and Mrs. Grace Kocurek of La Grange; and an aunt, Mrs. Gus Oncken of San Antonio. Two brothers, Horace Matthews and Les Taylor, preceded him in death.

Pallbearers in the funeral were G. W. Shaver, Charlie Allen, Charlie Herder Jr., John Hajovsky, John Heger, Harry Taylor, Bennie Getschmann and Henry Herder.

Relatives and friends attended from Columbus, Glidden, El Campo, Brookshire, Patterson, Houston, San Antonio, Groves, Schulenburg and Bastrop.

Weimar Mercury, May 15, 1959
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Matthews, Infant son

A little baby son was born unto Mr. and Mrs. Milton Matthews last Sunday morning, but the angels took it from them ere it had been with them but a moment or two. The heartfelt sympathy of all goes out to the bereaved parents in the loss of their beloved baby. [Interment in Weimar Masonic Cemetery]

Weimar Mercury, February 5, 1937, page 1

Matthews, John E.

Weimar, Texas, January 31.--A telegram from C. D. Barnett, superintendent of the Confederate home at Austin, to W A. Baar of this city, states that J. E. Matthews, an old citizen of this place and an inmate of the home, died there today at 9:30 a.m. Mr. Matthew's was an old man and a zealous member of the Order of Odd Fellows at this place for many years, which organization has well cared for him during his declining years and well deserves the plaudits of humanity generally for its untiring attention to this worthy brother when he so much needed the care of kind friends. He was also an old Confederate soldier and has attended the last roll call here on earth. Peace to his ashes.--Correspondence Post.

Weimar Mercury, February 6, 1892

Matthews, John Young

One of Our Oldest and Best Citizens passes On

While his death was not unexpected, having been at the point of death for a number of weeks, still when news of his demise was wafted over our community it created many comments of regret that were genuine and true. Mr. John Y. Matthews, one of our oldest and best citizens, a man for whom everyone had the highest regard, after battling with ill health for a number of years, finally was forced to take to his bed several weeks ago, from which it was destined he was never to arise.

A victim of that most dreaded of diseases, cancer, he put up a noble fight that continued over a period of many years, but in the end, as in nearly all such cases, the disease proved victor, and on Sunday morning about 3 o'clock the poor tired victim gave up the struggle and Death stepped in and claimed the victory.

Funeral arrangements were made and the remains of our good friend committed to the dust of Osage Cemetery on Sunday afternoon at 4 o'clock, Rev. W. L. Hightower, Methodist minister, officiating in an impressive burial ceremony. A large attendance of relatives and friends was present to pay the last sad tribu[t]e of respect to a man whom all had known for so long a time and for whom one and all had the sincerest admiration.

John Y. Matthews (his mother a Burford, one of the oldest and most respected families of our county) was born near Columbus June 13, 1869. He was united in marriage to Miss Eda Colquest of the Osage community about the year 1892. To this union was born two sons, Willie, of Texarkana, and John Y. Matthews, Jr., of Denver, Colo. After the death of his first wife, in February 1900, he was married to Mrs. Lella Taylor, on Nov. 19th, 1902. To this union was born seven children, five sons and two daughters, as follows: Mrs. H. D. Cliffe of Port Arthur, H. B. Matthews of Rosenberg, Jack, Allen, Milton, Grace and Roy of Weimar. Two step- children are also among his survivors -- Leslie G. Taylor of Weimar and Mrs. K. L. Wallace of Columbus; also a sister, Miss Hattie of Navasota, and one brother, W. B. Matthews of Abilene. There are six grandchildren and three step-grandchildren.

As stated in the foregoing, John Y. Matthews stood very high among his fellowmen. No man ever proved himself more honorable or of better character. His word was always as good as his bond, and although he met with many financial misfortunes during his sixty-three years of life, he was never daunted and put up a courageous fight to the last. Many of the failures and disappointments that came to him in life would have felled the strongest of men, but with John Y. Matthews, he smiled at same and took a fresh grip on life and its vicissitudes, determined to do or die. He was often pointed out as one man whom misfortune could never down, and he lived up to that axiom to the last, dying with a smile on his face and peace and contentment in his heart, realizing that he had put up a gallant fight, but that God had willed he should come on Home.

True to his family, relatives and friends, John Matthews will be sadly missed in our community. No one ever had a better friend or neighbor, and we will all miss him and his cheery presence. May his spirit rest in peace!

To his bereaved family the heartfelt sympathy of all our people is extended. May a merciful Father comfort them in their distress!

Weimar Mercury, 15 April 1932
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Matthews, Lella May (McMillan) Taylor

Funeral Services for Mrs. Matthews, 85, Held Sunday

Funeral services were held Sunday for Mrs. Lella Matthews, 85, who died at 10:15 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 20, in Colonial Rest Home at Schulenburg, ending a long illness.

Rev. Howard MacAllister, pastor of First Methodist Church here, officiated in services at Hubbard Funeral Home and the burial in Masonic [Odd Fellows] cemetery, assisted by Mrs. Matthews' nephew, Rev. John Campbell of Nacogdoches.

Pallbearers were John Heger, John Hajovsky, Charlie Herder, Henry Herder, Rubin Dahse and Walter Williams.

Mrs. Matthews, a native of Osage and lifelong resident of this area, had been in Youens Hospital for nine weeks before being moved to the rest home, where she had lived only a week.

Born Aug. 28, 1878, she was a daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Will McMillan. She was first married to James Taylor who died in 1899, then to John Y. Matthews, who died in 1932.

Surviving her are three sons, Jack Matthews of Weimar, Lt. Col. Thurman Roy Matthews of Washington, D. C., and Milton Matthews of Eagle Lake; a stepson, John Matthews of San Marcos, California; three daughters, Mrs. Jimmy Matthews [Wallace] of Columbus; Mrs. Hattie Mae Cliffe of Port Arthur and Mrs. Anton Kocurek of La Grange; 20 grandchildren and 13 great-grandchildren.

Three of Mrs. Matthews' sons preceded her in death, Les Taylor, Horace Matthews and Rod Matthews, the latter in 1959. A sister, Mrs. Gus Oncken of San Antonio, died last December.

Weimar Mercury, February 27, 1964
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht. Contact Rox Ann Johnson
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Matthews, Lera Eckley (Bagwell)

Funeral for Mrs. Matthews Here Jan. 20

Funeral services for Mrs. Lera Eckley Bagwell McShane Matthews, 94, a resident of Parkview Manor, were held Friday afternoon Jan 20, from Hubbard Funeral Chapel, with burial in Masonic Cemetery. Rev. D. L. R. McDougle officiated.

Mrs. Matthews died at 4 p.m. Jan. 18 in Youens Memorial Hospital where she had been a patient for two weeks. She had been ill for about a month.

Born Nov. 26, 1883, in McCracken County, Kentucky, she was a daughter of Albert and Arvia Zina Eckley Bagwell. She was married to Horace McShane on Feb. 23, 1913, in Paducah, Kentucky, and to Ernest Matthews on April 6, 1929, in Riverside California.

She lived in California from 1921 until moving to Texas in 1968, and had lived in Weimar the past three years.

She is survived by a daughter and son-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. E. V. (Sparky) Brock of Weimar, a granddaughter, Mrs. Darlene Ctvrtlik of Houston; five great-grandchildren, Lisa, Tom and Marsha Ctvrtlik of Houston and Scott and Jennell Smith of California; and a brother Otto Bagwell of San Bernardino, Calif.

Preceding her in death in addition to her two husbands were a brother , four sisters and a granddaughter.

Weimar Mercury, January 26, 1978
Transcribed by Judy Talkington

Matthews, Mary Deborah (Burford)

With regret the Citizen chronicles the death of Mrs. Mary Matthews, nee Burford, of the Osage neighborhood, who died suddenly of heart disease at the residence of Mr. P.F. Heiser of this city last Sunday.   She was an old citizen of the county, of many ennobling qualities and a great many friends who mourn her demise.   Her mortal remains were consigned to the grave last Monday, there to await the resurrection morn.   Peace be unto her.

The Colorado County Citizen, Thurs., Sept. 25, 1890, Pg. 3
From files of David Hahn

The death of Mrs. Mary Matthews, whose home was near Weimar, occurred at Columbus Monday night. She went to that place Saturday on a visit; was taken violently sick Monday night, and died in a few minutes. It is said that she died of congestion of the stomach. She leaves several children--all grown--to whom THE MERCURY tenders sympathy in their bereavement.

Weimar Mercury, September 27, 1890, page 2 `

Matthews, Milton Lee “Mitt”

Mitt Matthews Rites Held In Weimar Thurs.

Milton Lee Matthews, a former resident of Eagle Lake, passed away Tuesday afternoon, October 3, 1978 at the Youens Memorial Hospital in Weimar.

Funeral services were held Thursday, October 5th at 3:00 p.m. from the chapel of Hubbard Funeral Home in Weimar with interment in the Masonic Cemetery in Weimar. The Rev. Melburn J. Sibley, pastor of the First Baptist Church in Eagle Lake, officiated at the services.

Serving as pallbearers were Harold Thomas, Ralph Thomas, Dr. R. R. Thomas, Gayle Thomas and Gene Brown, all of Eagle Lake; and Henry Herder, Royce Miller and Buck Wanjura of Weimar.

Milton Lee Matthews (Mitt, as he was more widely known) was born on July 22, 1912, on Clear Creek near Weimar, to Lella McMillan and John Young Matthews. He grew up in the Weimar area and on December 27, 1934, he and Miss Birdie Stockton were united in marriage. In 1941, the family moved to the Mose Thomas Farm near Eagle Lake where they resided for some 36 years. Mr. Matthews retired from active farming for the Thomas Family in December 1977, at which time the Thomas family appropriately recognized him for his many years of faithful service. In January, 1978, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews returned to Weimar for their retirement years.

Milton Lee Matthews is suirvived by his wife, Birdie; daughters, Joyce Marie and husband, Melvin J. Stancik, of Eagle Lake; Ruby Ann and husband, Charles L. Darnell, of Eagle Lake; son, John Thomas and wife, Lee Ann Matthews, of Austin; six grandchildren, Johnnie Lee Darnell of Eagle Lake, Darlene Marie and Darrell Milton Stancik of Eagle Lake, and Jodie Lee, Julie Ann and Sharon Elizabeth Matthews of Austin; one brother, Thurman Roy Matthews of California; three sisters, Jimmie Taylor Wallace of La Grange, Hattie Mae Cliffe of San Antonio and Grace Amy Kocurek of La Grange. Also surviving are four sisters-in-law, Stella Taylor and Felton Matthews of Weimar, Rudell Matthews of California, and Josephine Matthews of Rosenberg; one brother-in-law, D. L. Stockton of California; and a number of nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by an infant son, his parents and six brothers: Lester Taylor, John, Willie, Jack, H. A. (Rod) and Horace Matthews.

The deceased had been a faithful member of the First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake for many years. He was also an active member of the Masonic Lodge No. 366 of Eagle Lake, having held several offices in this organization over the years.

Eagle Lake Headlight, October 12, 1978
Submitted by Joyce Stancik

Matthews, Norma Jene (Duty)

Matthews Funeral Scheduled Here On Sunday

Norma Jene Matthews, 81, died Feb. 22 in Carmichael, Calif. She was the wife of Lt. Col. Thurman Roy Matthews USAF Ret. of Carmichael, Calif., who is a native of Weimar.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Feb. 26 in Carmichael, Calif. and will be held in Weimar from Hubbard Funeral Home on Sunday, March 2 at 2 p.m. Interment will follow in Masonic Cemetery in Weimar.

She is survived by her husband, Thurman Roy Matthews of Carmichael, Calif.; and two sons, Thurman R. Matthews II and Horace Franklin Matthews of Carmichael, Calif.

Services are under the direction of Hubbard Funeral Home in Weimar.

A full obituary will appear later.

Weimar Mercury, February 27, 2003
From the files of Dorothy Albrecht
Photo courtesy of Harold Thomas Matthews

Norma Matthews Funeral Service Held in Weimar

Norma Jene Matthews, 81, died Feb. 22 in Carmichael, Calif.

Funeral services were held in Carmichael, Calif. at Lind Brothers Mortuary with Pastor David Durst of Crossroads Christian Fellowship officiating.

Funeral services were also held in Weimar on Sunday, March 2 at Hubbard Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Andrew Pate of First United Methodist Church of Weimar officiating.

Interment followed at the Masonic Cemetery in Weimar.

Mrs. Matthews was born April 29, 1921 in Rosenberg to Robert S. and Emma C. (Brewer) Duty.

She married Thurman Roy Matthews of Weimar on Dec. 24, 1945 in Houston.

She lived the life of an Air Force wife for 24 years providing, in often arduous circumstances, a loving and stable home for her husband and sons through 11 base assignments, finally settling in Carmichael, Calif., upon Thurman's retirement from 30 years of service in the United States Air Force in 1969.

Mrs. Matthews was raised in Eagle Lake, graduating from Eagle Lake High School with the class of 1939.

She was active in her church as a Sunday school teacher. She loved family gatherings and activities and was an avid golfer.

Suffering the debilitating effects of Alzheimer's Disease, she was cared for at home by her husband and sons for ten years prior to her passing.

She is survived by her husband of 57 years, Lt. Col. Thurman Roy Matthews USAF Ret. and sons, Thurman R. Matthews II and Horace Franklin Matthews OSC (C.C.) USNR Ret.

She was preceded in death by her parents, one sister and five brothers.

Pallbearers were nephews John Walker, John Kocurek, Robert Kocurek, Melvin Stancik and Randy Marak

Weimar Mercury, March 6, 2003, page 2A

Matthews, Oswald Dewey

Oswald Dewey "Fats" Matthews, 60, a Colorado County native, died Monday, June 27, 1994.

Morn May 2, 1934, he was the son of C. L. and Florence Matthews. He attended E. H. Henry High School and on Feb. 2, 1980, he married Mattie Brown.

Funeral services were held Saturday, July 2, at White Cloud Baptist Church, Eagle Lake, with Rev. A. J. Jones officiating. Interment followed in Rising Star Cemetery, Eagle Lake. Ben Davis Funeral Home of Columbus was in charge of arrangements.

Pallbearers were Freddie Douglas, George Tillman, Walter Foster, Joel Foster, Ollie Bolden, Willie Stovall, Ross McMillian and Saul Lee Williams, Honorary pallbearers were C. L. Matthews Jr., Glen Matthews, Edward Matthews, Wilbert Matthews, Alfonso Matthews, Oliver Lynn Matthews, Leonard Arch Reedus and Oswald Dewey Reedus.

Mr. Matthews is survived by his wife, of Egypt, Texas; his mother of Eagle Lake; son and daughter-in-law Oliver Lynn and Rita Matthews of Houston; daughter Vanessa Gillson of Wharton; three stepchildren, Alberta Douglas and LaRose Bolden, both of Egypt and Arthur Brown of Houston; two sisters, Loreca Thomas of Eagle Lake and Opaline Crow of Los Angeles, Calif; a god-sister, Lilly Parker of Eagle Lake; five brothers, C. L. Matthews Jr. of Bellville, Edward Frank Matthews of Rosenberg, Wilbert Matthews of Austin, Glen Edward Matthews of Houston and Alfonso Matthews of Texas City; five grandchildren, five step-grandchildren; an aunt, Eunice Sutton of San Diego, Calif.; a niece, Lola Mae Hemphill of Richmond; cousins Marion Carter of Columbus, Ohio and Ruby Sutton of Houston; and a host of other nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his father and two sisters.

Colorado County Citizen, July 13, 1994
Transcription by Dennis Boatright

Matthews, Roger

Retired Army Staff Sgt. Roger Matthews, 44, died Monday Nov. 14, 1994.

Born Aug. T, 1950, in Eagle Lake, he was the son of Loreca Matthews Thomas and Louis McShan. Following graduation from Eagle Lake High School, in 1968, Sgt. Matthews attended Wharton County Junior college before enlisting in the US Army, where he retired after 20 years of service.

Funeral services were held Nov. 26, at White Cloud Baptist Church in Eagle Lake with Rev. Obie Rhodes officiating. Ben Davis Funeral Home, Columbus, was in charge of arrangements. [Buried in Rising Star Cemetery]

St. Matthews is survived by his wife, Margaret; his mother, of Eagle Lake; his father, of Abilene; step-father, Royce McMillian of Eagle Lake; grandmother, Florence Matthews, also of Eagle Lake; two sisters, Lola Mae Hemphill of Richmond and Otha J. Smith of Elgin; brothers, Oscar Thomas and Henry Thomas, both of Eagle Lake; an aunt, Opaline Crow of Gardenia, Calif.; uncles, C.L. Matthews of Houston, Frank Matthews of Rosenberg, Wilbert Matthews of Austin and Alfonzo Matthews of Texas City; a great-aunt, Eunice Sutton; god-aunt, Lillie Parker and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by a brother, Frank.

Colorado County Citizen, November 30, 1994
Transcribed by Dennis Boatright

Matthews, Unnamed girl

The infant of Mr. and Mrs. Haynie Matthews was buried at Lakeside [Masonic] Thursday. Mrs. Matthews is still very low. The people of Eagle Lake and vicinity sympathize deeply with Mr. and Mrs. Matthews in their disappointment, trouble and sickness.

Eagle Lake Headlight, June 17, 1905, page 3

Matthews, Verner Thomas

Services Held Yesterday for V. T. Matthews

Citizens of Eagle Lake and throughout the area were shocked to learn Monday night of the tragic and sudden death of V. T. (Lefty) Matthews, a victim of an automobile and truck collision at 6:30 p.m. Monday. The shock became even greater when the cause of the accident was learned, for there was probably not another citizen in these parts who was more of a proponent of the principles of caution, slow speed and courtesy while driving.

His death came less than an hour after the crash, in Laughlin Hospital, where even on his death bed he showed concern for his fellow man, when he told doctors not to worry about him, but to see about the other fellows.

An expression of the deep admiration held for him in this community was evidenced in the hundreds of cards, letters, telegrams and mounds of floral tributes at funeral services yesterday, Wednesday afternoon, September 26th. Probably never before has a man who has been so unconspicuous in public life been paid humble homage by so many.

Serves were held at 4:00 p.m. yesterday at the Colly Memorial Methodist Church with the Rev. Charles Walton, pastor of the church, officiating. Interment was in the Masonic Cemetery with eight close friends serving as pallbearers. They were Griff Thomas, J. N. Frazar, W. E. McRee, Harold Thomas and G. C. Duncan of Eagle Lake; Urban Burttschell and Cunningham Griffith of Alleyton and Pat Dwyer of San Antonio. Mill Bauer Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Surviving to mourn the loss of their loved one are his widow, Mrs. Frances Sue Matthews; a son, John Herbert, a student at the Virginia military Institute; one daughter, Verner Sue; and a brother, C. H. Matthews of Eagle Lake.

Verner Thomas Matthews was born August 8, 1899 in Buffalo, Texas. At the age of ten he came to the Eagle Lake area with his parents, settling in the section called Matthews, and founded by his father, John Matthews.

On December 29th, 1936 he and Frances Sue Sarrar were married in Wharton. He was a successful farmer and rancher in the Matthews community operating with his brother, “Hub” as the Matthews Bros.

Mr. Matthews, better known to every acquaintance as “Lefty” gained state-wide fame during his college days at Texas A. and M. College. He participated on the baseball squad for four years and was captain of the baseball team in his senior year. Following his graduation in 1922, he entered professional baseball playing for some time with the Paris Texas team in the East Texas League and later with the Ardmore team in the Western Association. He played nearly every position on the diamond with equal ability and gained the nickname to be carried with him throughout life.

He was a Shriner, director of the Production credit Association of El Campo, Texas; he was a Community Chairman and delegate to the County Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Committee. He had a number of years of distinguished service on the Eagle Lake School Board of Education; and served on the Board of Directors of he Eagle Lake division of the American Rice Grower’s Association.

Although his sudden death brings deep sadness to his loved ones and friends, may they be comforted in the fact that he lived a rich and fruitful life, abundant with love for his family and for his fellow man.

The Colorado County A. and M. Club met at Hill Memorial Park in Weimar Tuesday night with sixty ex-Aggies and wives present for a barbecue supper.

President of the Club, Doyle Moore, announced the death of V. T. Matthews of Eagle Lake, an ex-aggie who was killed in the auto accident Monday night, and requested a few moments of silence in his memory.

The Club voted to sponsor a $300 scholarship for four years to some student from the county to attend Texas A. and M. in September of 1957. The selection will be made by the A. and M. Ex-Students Scholarship Committee at College Station.

The scholarship will be supported by contributions from the members of the County club.

The County A. and M. Club members voted to hold their next meeting in February in Garwood.

[For more information go to Two Killed In Truck-Auto Collision Here Monday P.M.]

Eagle Lake Headlight, September 27, 1956
Transcribed by Judy Talkington