Mr. Matthews was born May 26,1928 to Frank Ivan Matthews Sr., and Effie Baldwin Matthews. He was preceded in death by his parents and four brothers; Ray Matthews, Jimmy Matthews, Gary Matthews and Charles Matthews; one sister Marjorie Colbey Morris.
Survivors include his spouse of 70 years and love of his life Betty Jean Matthews; one son and daughter-in-law Jerry and Kathy Matthews of Fouke, AR; one daughter and son-in-law Patricia and Gary Kennedy of Texarkana, AR; two brothers Frank Matthews, Jr. of Chitna, Alaska, Danny Matthews of Las Vegas, NV; three sisters and brothers-in-law Lois Ryan of Texarkana, AR, Joan Terry of Monahan, TX. and Joyce and J.O. Parsons of Texarkana, TX; four grandchildren Katrina McGinnis and spouse Robert McGinnis, Brandon Kennedy and spouse Lauren Kennedy, Christopher Kennedy and spouse Anna Cathey Kennedy and Carmen Plemmons and spouse Will Plemmons; five great grandchildren Sam and Katelyn McGinnis, Zoey and Parker Kennedy and Briar Plemmons. Along with numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and other loved ones.
Robert E. Matthews was known as Bob. He served in WWII on the USS Battleship Pennsylvania. He retired as District Manager from Southwestern Electric Co-Op Corp. and also served on the board of directors for Mil-Way Federal Credit Union.
He was a devoted husband, father, grandfather, and friend to everyone he met. He was an avid fisherman and hunter and shared his experiences with friends continuously. He loved camping and fishing, especially at his favorite destination, Lake Ouachita. He was a proud man but was always willing to help others. He loved life, he loved teaching, and he lived life on his terms. He knew the true meaning of happiness by making wonderful memories with family and loved ones. He loved telling stories about past experiences and sharing his knowledge with everyone. He never met a stranger. He was definitely a one-of-a-kind man. His motto was to help others who help others. He did that religiously throughout his life.
Family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 pm Tuesday November 13th, 2018 at East Funeral Home downtown.
Funeral Services will be held at 2:00 pm Wednesday November 14th, 2018 at East Funeral Home downtown with Reverend Wallace Edgar officiating. Burial will follow at East Memorial Gardens Cemetery.
The family will be located at 6709 Ridgecrest Pl, Texarkana, TX 75503.
Memorials may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital located at 501 St. Jude's Pl, Memphis, TN 38103.
Condolences may be left at www.eastfuneralhomes.com
