Dr. Thomas M. Matthews

Dr. Matthews, a Diplomate of the American Board of Orthodontics, practicing in Dallas for over fifty years, passed away on December 27, 2010. He grew up in Thomaston, Georgia and graduated from the University of Georgia with a BS degree in Forestry. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as ensign in the US Navy serving in Navel Intelligence in the South Atlantic, then as communications officer aboard the USS Mount McKinley in the South Pacific during World War II. His active duty engagements included Palau, Luzon, Lingayen Gulf, Okinawa and going ashore at Hiroshima following the atomic attack. He retired as Lieutenant Commander. Dr. Matthews graduated from Baylor College of Dentistry in 1950 and then served a preceptorship in orthodontics with Dr. Robert Gaylord. He was elected to the Fellowship in the American College of Dentists and the International College of Orthodontists, was a member of the Charles H. Tweed Foundation, and has served as president of the Southwest Society of Orthodontists and vice president of the American Association of Orthodontists. In 1970 he was elected to Omicron Kappa Upsilon honorary fraternity. He was a member of the Dallas County Dental Society and many other professional organizations. In 1961 Dr. Matthews, along with Dr. Gaylord and Dr. Tom Williams, established the orthodontic department at Baylor College which has become one of the most prestigious orthodontic programs with alumni practicing worldwide. He was a member of the faculty since its inception until his health forced his retirement in 2008. Baylor College established a lecture series in his name, dedicated The Tom Matthews Library in the orthodontic department and gives the Tom Matthews Award each year at the Baylor College alumni annual meeting. Since 1949 he was a member of Highland Park United Methodist Church, a charter member of the Two by Two Sunday School class, served on the board of the Park Cities YMCA and on many other civic organizations. He loved fishing, hunting, sailing and was a prize winning skeet shooter. He belonged to the Dallas Gun Club, the Dallas Corinthian Yacht Club and Northshore Club. He volunteered for years as a tram driver at the Dallas Arboretum. He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Martha Keith Matthews (“Martie”), daughter Vicki Bejcek and husband John, son Tom Matthews, Jr. and wife Cindy, five grandchildren and five great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his daughter, Cindy Matthews Leitch. A memorial service will be held on Tuesday, January 4 at 2:00 p.m. in Cox Chapel at Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Baylor Oral Health Foundation for the Dr. Tom Matthews Lectureship, 3600 Gaston Avenue, Suite 1151, Dallas, Texas 75246 or to the Dallas Alzheimer’s Association or the charity of your choice.