Clarence Chileon Matthews Jr.

Clarence Chilion Matthews Jr. passed away on July 9, 2023. He was born on March 22nd, 1939 in Paris Township Michigan. The son of Clarence Chilion Matthews Sr. and Bessie Mae Stoops. His father was working for the WPA (Works Progress Administration) making just 1.00 a day. He joined his two sisters and one brother Marjorie, Betty and Marvin. In 1941, his little brother Robert arrived and joined the family.

Clarence had a wonderful childhood growing up on the Matthews family farm on 10 Mile Road in Rockford Michigan. He attended the Brownell Country School. He had horses to ride and almost 100 acres to explore every day. Of course, he and little brother, Bob, kept their parents on their toes by smoking in the outhouse, setting the back hayfield on fire and playing with their dad’s shotgun.

He was his dad’s right hand man, helping with the work, driving both horses and tractor. Of course, while learning to dive the tractor he ran over little brother Bob.

He went to Rockford High School, belonged to the FFA Club and Played basketball, go Rams! He also had a 100-mile paper route delivering the Grand Rapids Press every morning before school. He graduated with the class of 1959. In 1961, he joined the Air Force. He was an Air Policeman in the K-9 Unit. He was stationed at the Portland Oregon Air Base where he met his wife, Martha Jane Wright at an USO Dance on April 25th, 1964. They were married at St. Charles Catholic Church on October 17th, 1964.

In October 1965 his first child, Phillips Gordon Matthews arrived and oh, how he loved being a daddy. Melody May (Frost) arrived in February 1968, Paul Andrew in January 1971 and Scott Allen in August 1972.

He worked at Precision Cast Parts for 22 years. Those years of working and raising a family were filled with camping and fishing trips, kid’s activities, playing golf with his Air force buddy Bernie Ingraham, playing cards and just enjoying life.

In 1987, he moved to Yakima Washington and began working at JELD-WEN Windows and Patio Doors. He loved the very warm summers of the Yakima Valley and there was more fishing, golf, and playing cards. After he retired from JELD-WEN, he was an active member of the Fruitvale Grange. In 2004, he became interested in photography. There were many trips to Montana for photography. In 2007, he learned of two Matthews children in Michigan who needed a home and a fresh start in life. He and Martha adopted Justin and Jada Matthews in 2009 and there was more football, dance lessons, piano lessons and 4-H, along with grange meetings. He loved being a daddy again!

In 2018, he became a member of the General Society of Mayflower Descendants. He is a direct descendant of Elder William Brewster. Thanks to Sarah Morse who facilitated his application. He was so proud of that.

The years slipped by so fast and suddenly he became older and sick. Clarence was a wonderful husband and awesome father. He loved and was so proud of his six kids. He was a stubborn man and the head of his family, while Martha was the heart of the family.

He was preceded in death by his father and mother. His sister Marjorie (Loren Lewis), Sister Betty (Delbert Waid) and Brother Marvin (Joyce Neilsen).

He is survived by his wife of almost 59 years, Martha, his beloved children Phillips (Robert Redfield), Melody (Raymond Frost), Paul (Tonia Adolf), Scott (Kiera Leahy), Jada Matthews and Justin Matthews. Grandchildren, Victoria Matthews, Brandon Matthews (Aaliyah Devault), Layne Frost, Raylane Frost, Nick Matthews, Megan Matthews (Ethan Matthews), Keegan Matthews, Forrest Matthews (Jada Matthews). Great grandchildren, Lila Matthews (Brandon Matthews) and Emma Matthews (Nick Matthews). His brother Bob Matthews (Judy Reyers) of Michigan and of so many nieces and nephews and he loved every one of you.

There is a time of visitation from 4-8PM, July 18, 2023 at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home, 1010 W. Yakima Ave., Yakima. A Celebration of his life will be Wednesday, July 19, at 10am, also at Langevin El Paraiso Funeral Home. Burial will be at the Mabton Cemetery following the service, with military honors.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.lepfuneralhome.com for the Matthews family.