Steve was an alumni of the University of Kansas and the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity. He has remained active in both organizations. In 2009, Steve was inducted into the Jayhawk Battalion Alumni Association’s Wall of Fame due to his distinguished military career.
After graduating college Steve was commissioned in May 1965 as a Distinguished Military Graduate, entered the Army in June 1965, and completed Armor Officer Basic, Airborne, and Ranger Schools. Steve was assigned to the 11th ACR at Ft Meade Maryland. He reported for duty in 1966 and was transferred to F Troop as the Executive Officer. Steve’s introduction to the Vietnam War came as a member of the advance party in July 1966. Steve’s troops participated in major search and destroy actions of that time (Operations Cedar Falls and Junction City).
Upon discharge from the military in October of 1969, Steve resumed his banking career in Lawrence KS. However, Steve’s ties with the Haviland State Bank and the community of Haviland Kansas remained closely intact. Steve was elected to the bank’s Board of Director’s on January 8, 1966. Steve remained the Chairman of the Board of Haviland State Bank up to his death. Steve was an eager supporter of the Haviland community and a strong financial supporter of the small private college in Haviland.
Steve has touched many lives in so many ways. His reach spanned from his gardening hobby to his love of a good discussion at the local watering holes. There was never any pretense or falseness with Steve. What you saw was what you got with him. Steve will always be remembered and admired for his genuine personality and plain talk. He connected with so many people across so many spectrums of life. Without exception and with unwavering certainty, we can say that Steve had a profound effect on the lives of many people. His surviving family wishes to honor that person and for each to offer a memory of how Steve touched their lives.
Steve is survived by his three sons: Mike Matthews, Houston TX, Tony Matthews, Estero FL and John Matthews, Dallas TX, and his two granddaughters, Reagan and Sutton Matthews of Westlake TX.
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