Grave marker for John A. Matthews in the Garden Of Memories Cemetery,
Sikeston (Scott County),
Missouri
Close-up of John's name plate
(photos courtesy of
Sondra Jones Wills ) |
 John
A. Matthews
John A. Matthews passed away August 15, 2008, at 75 years of age, in
Clovis. He was born in Sikeston, Missouri to Ben O and Jennie Matthews
on June 14, 1933.
�Funeral services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Monday, August 18, 2008, at
Central Baptist Church in Clovis. Burial will be held in The Garden of
Memories Cemetery in Sikeston, Missouri.
�Pallbearers will be Wiley Snyder, Don Bell, Allen Kelley, Charles
Stockton, Jack Donahey, Jack Muse, Bryce Storrie, Homer Tankersley, and
Paul Matherly.
�John touched many lives of young people of Central Baptist Church
during the 14 years he served as Youth Director. Therefore, to honor
John in the best possible way, the family would like to name these youth
as Honorary Pallbearers.
�John accepted the Lord when he was 7 years old and was a member of
Central Baptist Church at the time of his death. He loved the Lord
first, but his family was his pride and joy. He loved to tell stories
and was in the process of writing a book of memoirs. An opportunity to
travel or have a good time was always welcomed by John.
�John served as Music and Youth Minister in churches in Kentucky, Texas,
and New Mexico. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee,
Oklahoma and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Murray State
University in Kentucky. He received his graduate degree from South West
Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas. He is a lifetime
member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and sang with the New Mexico
Singing Churchmen. He co-owned J&L Glass Company as a young man in
Sikeston, Missouri. He published a cookbook, "America's No. 1 Mexican
Cookbook" in 1987.
�He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Sharon; a daughter, Dena (Doc)
Blackwell of Keller, Texas; one son, Thomas Matthews of McAllen, Texas;
one grandson, Matthew Blackwell of Keller, Texas; two brothers, Lee
(Lillian) and Don (Betty) of Sikeston, Missouri; several nieces and
nephews.
�He is preceded in death by his parents and a sister in law, Helen.
The family request that memorial contributions be made to the Central
Baptist Youth Building Fund.
�Arrangements are under the direction of Steed Todd Funeral Home 800 E
Manana Blvd Clovis, New Mexico 88101 (575) 763-5541, www.steedtodd.com
Published in the Clovis News Journal and the Portales News-Tribune from
8/16/2008 - 8/17/2008 |
