Thomas G. Matthews, 86, born May, 2, 1923, a native of Jackson, Michigan and a resident of Foley for 23 years, died Thursday, Dec. 3, 2009 at home with his children and wife present near him.
A veteran of World War II, he was a member of the VFW in Elberta, however, because of a walking disability, he seldom attended the meetings.
He worked for 35 years with Yardman Lawnmower and was manager of Oxford Apartment Complex and shopping mall.
His greatest joy, however, was his children and home life.
In his later years, he loved shopping at Wal-Mart in his grocery scooter. The cashiers were amazed that he could get so many items in the cart. Shopping was enjoyable to him since other veterans liked to reminisce about the good ol days.
The buddy system of war experiences, old, ornery and loveable at times, he will leave a void in Foley and the folks who knew him.
He was preceded in death by two sisters, Joyce Croad and Margie. A brother, Jeffrey Matthews, was declared missing in action during World War II.
Survivors include his wife, Martha Anne “Marti” Matthews; two sons, Stephen M. (Mary K.) Matthews of Jackson, Mich., and Timothy (Mary Beth) Matthews of Sedona, Ariz.; two daughters, Madeline Pugh of Norman, Okla., and Maureen Matthews of Beaufort, S.C.; four grandchildren, Jacob K (Joy) Matthews of Wisconsin, Stephanie M. Matthews Parker of Plymouth, England, Heather Radford of Pickens, S.C.; a sister, Patricia “Pat” (Les) Brown of Foley; a brother, the Rev. George (Lorene) Matthews of Niles, Mich.; several nieces and nephews.
His body was donated to SAAB Anatomical Board for Research.
