Richard Arnold Matthews

Richard Arnold Matthews, born on April 23, 1956 to Donna Hughes and Ed Billy in Coalgate, OK, passed away on June 27, 2015 at the age of 59. Richard is survived by his loving wife Heather Ann (Haines) Matthews; two sons: Clinton Cheyenne Matthews and wife Stacy, and Nathan Matthews; three grandchildren: Samantha Dawn Matthews, Clinton Jay Matthews, and Cheyenne Marie Collins-Matthews; his mother, Donna Smith; and three siblings: Edwina Cyphers, Delores Zuker, and Tom Matthews. Richard was preceded in death by three very influential men in his life: his biological father Ed Billy, his adopted father Percy Leroy Matthews, and his more recent stepfather Nick Smith.

Richard was well rounded in his interests and hobbies. He was a nature enthusiast and enjoyed hunting, fishing and hiking. These activities allowed Richard to be one with nature and be at peace. Richard was also a handy man, and his wife loved having him around the house to help make repairs and keep thigs in working order. His ability to fix things even influenced his career. Richard had worked as a sheet metal welder and more recently as a machinist at M.D. Building Products. Dirt biking and trail riding was another hobby he enjoyed, but Richard didn’t just like dirt bikes he also took interest in street bikes and once owned a KZ1000. Richard’s sons remember him playing pool, chess, and reading with them. Richard had a love for his Native American culture and had recently begun to become very involved in the Choctaw Nation. Nonetheless, nothing could compare to the Love that Richard had for his family. His sons found the best way to describe Richard was that he was a “Dad” and was everything a real father should be. Richard you are loved and missed, your memory will thrive through the legacy you have left us.