Ernest Clayton Matthews, 83, of Delmar peacefully passed away Tuesday, June 16, 2026, surrounded by his family. Born May 26, 1943, in Salisbury, Maryland, he was the son of the late D. Ernest Matthews and Stella Sirman. The Eastern Shore was his home, and he lived, married, and started a family there, living in Delmar, in a house which he had built and would remain throughout his life.
A graduate of Wicomico High School, he attended the University of Maryland College Park, receiving his Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering degree in 1966. While in college, he met the love of his life, Elizabeth, which would lead to their marriage in 1966 after his graduation. Ernest worked at Delmarva Power as an electrical engineer his entire career, retiring in 1998.
Ernest, or Ernie, or ‘Buddy’ (his childhood nickname), kept very, very busy. He was an amateur ham radio operator, communicating with people all over the world; skied every year, including into his 80’s; attended Delmarva Shorebird games since their inaugural year; kept his mind active with sudoku puzzles; and always tried new things, including hang-gliding! But it was travel that kept him the busiest. Ernest made it to all 50 states and 7 continents. His travel partner for most of his life was Elizabeth, but after her passing, he continued exploring with his daughters. His last trip was to Japan in 2025.
Ernest has a long resume of community and civic service. A member of the St. Francis de Sales parish, he would travel with them to their sister parish in Nicaragua, helping set up computers in its school. He was also an active volunteer and supporter of multiple organizations, such as, Coastal Hospice where he organized their annual geranium sale for many years; Community Players of Salisbury where he helped build sets, handle tickets, and even directed and acted in shows; the Ward Museum where he handled the registration of their annual wildfowl carving competition; software instructor at Wor-Wic Community College teaching several computer related courses; and an officer and treasurer of the Knights of Columbus where is he helped oversee their annual Coats for Kids drive, just to name a few. In 2015, he received the prestigious 4-Way Test Award from the Salisbury Rotary Club for his continuous commitment, where they wrote, “Ernie gives his all and leads others to give.”
His beloved wife of 57 years, Elizabeth, preceded him in death in 2023. He is survived by his two daughters, Theresa Elizabeth Haggerty and her husband Andrew, and Barbara Lynn Matthews; grandson, Nicholas Andrew Haggerty; sisters, Mary Ellen Donaway (who passed away in 2020), Patricia Shrawder and Dottie Ballard; brothers, Dan Matthews, Ted Matthews, and Bob Matthews; and many nieces and nephews.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, June 26, 2026, at 11am at St Francis de Sales Catholic Church on Riverside Drive in Salisbury, where friends may visit from 10:30a.m.-11a.m. Interment will follow in Springhill Memory Gardens. Friends may also visit with the family on Thursday, June 25, 2026, from 6:00p.m. – 8:00p.m. with prayers at 7:30p.m. at Bounds Funeral Home on East Main Street in Salisbury.
To honor Ernie’s commitment to community service, and in lieu of flowers, the family is asking everyone to donate to their favorite local charity.
Visit www.boundsfuneralhome.com to share stories and memories with the family.
