Heath E. Matthews

Heath Bowness Matthews of Leawood, Kansas, loving and loved grandfather, father and husband, passed away on December 7, 2013. Heath was born in August 3, 1932 in Alberton, Prince Edward Island, Canada to Maude Alice and Emerson Alexander Matthews. On January 30, 1971 Heath married the great love of his life, Sheryl Ann Freeman. Heath joined the Canadian military when he was 18 years old and served with 1st Battalion Royal Canadian Regiment (RCR) in the Korean Conflict. On June 22, 1952, after a horrific firefight, a photograph was taken of Heath that was called ‘Face of War’ that continues to be used throughout Canada as an icon of Canada’s military involvement in Korea. Upon his honorable discharge from the military, Heath received his B.A. degree from Sir George Williams College, Montreal, Canada. After college, Heath enjoyed a long career in outdoor advertising utilizing his management and sales acumen as division manager and CEO. His career included stops in Montreal, Chicago, Kansas City, Toronto, Chicago, Spokane, Cleveland and ultimately back to Kansas City. Heath was an active member of Young Presidents Organization and the Advertising Club. He also served on the Board of Directors of Spokane Community College. Heath was an active member of the Church of the Resurrection, Kansas City, Missouri.

Survivors include his wife, Sheryl Matthews; five children, Dawn E. Matthews (John), Michael F. Woods (Laura), Brent F. Matthews (Renee), Kristi W. Muck (Michael), Byron H. Matthews (Jennifer); ten grandchildren, Kayla P. Matthews, Camden F. Woods, Alessia S. Woods, twin boys, Aeddon M and Bennett M Woods, Amanda S Muck, Michael R. Muck, Jr., Jonathan M. Muck, Riley J. Matthews and Parker A. Matthews; and two sisters Roma Y. Rehfisch and Colleen M. Tilton. He was preceded in death by his siblings Heber R. Matthews, Margaret F. Scharfe, Waldo Matthews, Martha L. Millan, Adelaide O. Clow, Phillis M. Harrison, Brent E. Matthews, Norma E. Easson.

Visitation will be held at the Firestone Chapel at the Church of the Resurrection of Leawood Kansas at 10:15 a.m., Tuesday, December 10, with a memorial service to follow at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests memorial contributions to Wounded Warrior Project, P.O. Box 758517, Topeka, Kansas 66675 or online at: https://support.woundedwarriorproject.org/default.aspx?tsid=66 or to the charity of the donor's choice.