Frederick E. Matthews

Frederick E. Matthews Sr., 92, a longtime resident of Baton Rouge, died peacefully at his home in St. James Place on Saturday, Feb. 13, 2010. Born Oct. 16, 1917, in New Haven, Conn., he was the son of the late John C. Matthews and Gertrude Collinge Matthews. He was married to Viva Catherine Cooper, of Mansfield, on June 10, 1939. She preceded him in death in 2007. He is survived by two children, Jane Matthews Oths and husband Joseph, of Baton Rouge, and Fred Matthews Jr. and wife Sally Elizabeth "Bess," of Forest City, N.C. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Debora Roth, of Alpharetta, Ga., Catherine Gravois and husband Kevin, and Laurie Gaston, all of Baton Rouge, Stacey Nicchio and husband M.J., of Austin, Texas, Seth Andrew Matthews and wife Jessica, of Union Mills, N.C., Travis Oakes Matthews and wife Antonia, of Durham, N.C., and Will Jared Matthews, of Chillicothe, Ohio. There are eight great-grandchildren: Morgan Roth, Chandler Roth, Paul Gravois, Kelly Gravois, Mark Gravois, Grayson Nicchio, Miles Nicchio and Peyton Nicchio. His brother, John C. "Jack" Matthews, who was of Milford, Conn., preceded him in death. He was a real estate appraiser who was associated for many years with Powell Appraisal Co. of Baton Rouge. In 1937, he arrived in Mansfield as a young man and took a position with the Nabors Manufacturing Co., where he became a foreman, serving there through World War II. He became a resident of Baton Rouge in 1946 and was a principal in a number of local businesses and the founder and owner of Arpent Realty Inc. before entering the real estate appraisal field. He was a faithful member of University Baptist Church and the Society of Real Estate Appraisers. He also was a Master Mason since 1942 and a life member of the York Rite Masonic bodies, Baton Rouge Lodge 372, F&AM, which he served as treasurer for many years; a 32nd degree member of the Scottish Rite; for more than 50 years a knight templar of Plains Commandery 11; and a 56-year Acacia Shrine member. He was a charter member and past president of the Baton Rouge High Twelve. He was an avid outdoorsman who particularly enjoyed duck hunting. Visitation at Rabenhorst Funeral Home, 825 Government St., on Tuesday, Feb. 16, at noon, followed by a service conducted by Dr. George Haile at 2 p.m. Family members will serve as pallbearers. Honorary pallbearers are Fred Ladner, Pat Brown, Jay Prothro, Keith Burchfield, Bill Mathews, Chuck Morgan, Johnny Powell and Ken Klaus. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a memorial gift in Fred's honor to the Louisiana Baptist Children's Home, 7200 Desiard St., Monroe, LA 71203; St. James Place Assisted Living, 333 Lee Drive, Baton Rouge, LA 70808; Baton Rouge Scottish Rite Childhood Learning Center, 14598 Florida Blvd., Baton Rouge, LA 70819; or Hospice Foundation of Greater Baton Rouge, 9063 Siegen Lane, Baton Rouge, LA 70810. The family is deeply grateful for the love which has been unselfishly given to them and Fred by the dedicated staff at St. James Assisted Living and Hospice of Baton Rouge. Burial in the family plot at the Mansfield Cemetery on Wednesday.