Ernest Reed Matthews

Ernest Reed Matthews, age 74, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 22, 2026, following a brief and courageous battle with cancer. Ernest was born on October 27, 1951, in Long Beach, California, to Charles and Edith Matthews. The Matthews family later moved to Fort Worth, Texas, where Ernest graduated from Castleberry High School in River Oaks, Texas, in 1969.

After graduating from high school, Ernest proudly served in the United States Air Force until April 1980. Following his active-duty service, he continued serving in the Air Force Reserves, where he worked as an aircraft painter. After leaving the Air Force Reserves, Ernest worked for several companies as a long- and short-haul truck driver. Eventually, he purchased his own truck and became an owner-operator, a career he continued for many years.

Ernest had many interests throughout his life. He loved riding and owning horses and enjoyed motorcycles, both off-road and street bikes. He also loved traveling and, most of all, spending time with his family.

On June 25, 1971, Ernest married Mary Tice. On November 21, 1974, they welcomed their first son, Ernest “Ernie” Matthews. On October 20, 1976, they welcomed their second son, Paul Matthews.

On January 9, 1993, Ernest married Christine Babbatt in Granbury, Texas. They later moved to Wellsville, New York, along with Christine’s children, Erik and Ashley Dye.

In May 2001, Ernest found lasting love with Cindy Louis and resided in Arlington, Texas, before eventually choosing a more rural setting in Joshua, Texas. There, they retired together, surrounded by their beloved Maine Coon cats and their rescued animals, including dogs and horses. Although they were never formally married, Ernest and Cindy shared a life together as husband and wife for more than 20 years, until Cindy’s passing in November 2023.

Ernest was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Cindy Louis; his son, Paul Matthews; his parents, Charles and Edith Matthews; his brothers, Scott Matthews and Leonard Matthews; and his brother-in-law, David Ruthesell.

He is survived by his son, Ernie (Lacy) Matthews; stepchildren, Felicia (Charles) Hernandez, Jennifer (Kevin) Ruthesell, Eric (Jonessa) Louis, and Chris (Jessica) Louis; grandchildren, Miranda McWhorter, Joshua Matthews, Nathan Matthews, Caleb Matthews, Trevor Matthews, and Trenton Matthews; and siblings, Edith Matthews, Dorothy Ruthesell, Charles Matthews, Darlene Carr, Judy Walls, and Vickie Turner.

Ernest will be remembered for his generous nature, love of family, his adventurous spirit, his love of animals and the outdoors, and the many years of memories he created with those he loved.

Memorial service will be 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 10, 2026 at Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home Chapel. Cremation is under the direction of Edwards Van-Alma Funeral Home of Van Buren, AR. Ashes will be placed the Fort Smith National Cemetery.