The Shreveport Times

Obituaries

Saturday, December 27, 2008

Joe Matthews

Cool Spring Cemetery

LOGANSPORT, LA - Masonic graveside service for Joe Matthews, 82, will be held Saturday, December 27, 2008 at 11:00 AM at Cool Spring Cemetery.

Joe was born July 15, 1926 in Bienville Parish, Louisiana to Joseph and Vera Matthews and died on December 24, 2008 in Mansfield, Louisiana. Joe graduated Logansport High School in 1943. He was an active member of the Logansport First United Methodist Church. Joe proudly served his country in the United States Navy during WWII in the submarine unit. He was very active in many local community groups. He served as president of both the Logansport Lions Club and Logansport Chamber of Commerce as well as chairman of the River City Fest. As a member of the Mount Vernon Lodge #83, Joe was able to reach the level of Master Mason and was also a member of the Lodge in Joaquin, Texas. Also, during his time in this community he served on many volunteer boards including the 911 Board and the Tourism Board. Joe and Helen spent a great deal of their married life in Galveston, Texas. While there he was able to help with the Boy Scouts by serving as Scout Master and also a Little League Coach. While in Galveston, Texas he worked for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company were he retired as Chief Engineer after 38 years. Among Joe's many talents were gardening and woodworking. He enjoyed being able to share these with family and friends. Joe was a very forgiving, loving, and kind husband, father and grandfather. Everyone who knew him admired and respected him.

Joe was preceded in death by his parents. Left behind to cherish his memory are his wife of 59 years Helen Matthews; three sons Joe Matthews, Bill Matthews and Dan Matthews and wife Debbie and their son John; one daughter Joellen Wilke.

The family would like to express a special and heartfelt thanks to the entire staff of DeSoto Retirement and Rehabilitation Center in Mansfield, Louisiana.

In lieu of flowers the family suggests that memorials be made to First United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 177, Logansport, LA 71049; or to your local Masonic Lodge.

Kilpatrick's Rose-Neath Funeral Home, Logansport, LA. 318-697-4441