CLOVIS, N.M. -- John A. Matthews passed away Aug. 15, 2008, at 75 years of age in Clovis, NM.
He was born June 14, 1933, in Sikeston, Mo., to the late Ben O. and Jennie Watts Matthews. John accepted the Lord when he was 7 years old and had been a member of Miner Baptist Church in Sikeston where he served as music and youth director. He co-owned J&L Glass Company as a young man in Sikeston. He also did evangelistic music for revivals in the Sikeston area. He attended Oklahoma Baptist University in Shawnee, Okla. and received his Bachelor of Arts Degree from Murray State University in Murray, Ky. He received his graduate degree from South West Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas and he is a lifetime member of Phi Mu Alpha Music Fraternity and sang with the New Mexico Singing Churchmen.
He published a cookbook, "America's No. 1 Mexican Cookbook" in 1987. He touched many lives of young people of Central Baptist Church in Clovis during the 14 years he served as youth and music director. John served as music and youth minister in churches in Kentucky, Texas and New Mexico. He loved the Lord first, but his family was his pride and joy. He loved to tell stories and was in the process of writing a book of memoirs. An opportunity to travel or have a good time was always welcomed by John.
John married Sharon Bond on July 26, 1957, in Murray, and she survives of the home.
He is also survived by: a daughter and son-in-law, Dena and Doc Blackwell of Keller, Texas; his son, Thomas Matthews of McAllen, Texas; one grandson, Matthew Blackwell of Keller; and two brothers and sisters-in-law, Lee and Lillian Matthews of Sikeston and Don and Betty Matthews of Fruitland. A number of nieces and nephews also survive.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Helen Matthews; and one great nephew, Ben Matthews.
Services were held in Clovis on Monday at Central Baptist Church. Visitation in Sikeston will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. on Thursday at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel. Services will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday in the Nunnelee Chapel with the Rev. Jim Matthews, pastor of Cape County Cowboy Church, officiating.
Burial will follow in Garden of Memories Cemetery with full military honors granted by the Missouri Military Funeral Honor Guard.
Pallbearers will be: David Matthews, Scott Matthews, Ryan Matthews, John Ensor, Ross Brummett and Kevin Edwards.
---
The family requests that memorial contributions may be made to:
Cape County Cowboy Church
P.O. Box 242
Jackson, MO 63755
Paid obituary