David Ray "Mert" Matthews

In the early hours on Sunday, January 10, 2016 David Ray Matthews went to meet the Lord at the age of 87, in Visalia, CA. David also known as “Mert” to his friends and everyone in the community was born on July 2, 1928, to David and Katherine Matthews in Batesville, AR.

Mert met Evelyn Head the love of his life and married her on August 16, 1948. They had two daughters, whom he loved dearly. Mert spend time with his family and friend fishing and camping. He worked for the Edison Company for 40 years as a service crew foreman, until his retirement in 1985.

In 1974 Mert and a partner bought Mills Grove in Visalia. Many great times were enjoyed by all who gathered there. The stories we could all tell! Hoping to see the old Mills Grove bunch during his final goodbyes! He would have enjoyed seeing all of us together.

Mert is preceded in death by his wife Evelyn Matthews. He leaves to cherish his memory his two daughters Sandy and Randy Sweeden; Jenny and Herman Ruiz; his two grandchildren Derek and Denise; four great grandchildren Isis, Athena, Thayden and Corvin; and his step grandchildren Lori Maldonado and Andrea Alva; his four great grandchildren Miranda, Trevor, Brandy and Malcolm and his nephew Chris Morris.

Visitation will be held at Miller Memorial Chapel 134 N. Cypress Street, Woodlake, on Wednesday January 13th from 4-7pm. Graveside Service will be held at Woodlake District Cemetery on Thursday, January 14th at 10:00 a.m.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.millermemorialchapel .com