Donald “Don” E. Matthews, 83, Marion, passed away at 1:42 a.m. Monday, March 18, 2013, at his residence. Donald was born in Rossville, Ill., June 12, 1929, to the late John and Bessie (Beatty) Matthews. On Jan. 14, 1950, in Alexandria, Don married Joanna (Kendall) Matthews. She preceded him in death Jan. 21, 2003.
Don proudly served the World War II occupation forces in Korea. He worked at Chrysler Casting as a machine repairman. He was awarded Employee of the Year in 1988. He was the first UAW chaplain in Kokomo and one of the seven first chaplains for the UAW nationwide. He enjoyed and loved ministering to people and talking about Jesus, singing old country and gospel songs, playing his guitar and fishing. He was very active in the Full Gospel Businessmen’s organization in the 1980s. He never knew a stranger and was well-known for his big hugs and strong handshakes. Don was a lifetime charter member of the Creation Museum and avidly supported the Indianapolis-based Families Against Cults ministry.
Surviving are his five children, Danny (Ruth) Matthews, Auburn, Donna (Jerry) Kaiser, Hillsboro, Tenn., Steven (JoEllen) Matthews, Warsaw, Rhonda (Pat) Salsbery, Sharpsville, and Lori Matthews, Marion; one sister, Patty McCurry, Anderson; grandchildren, Megan Matthews, Brett Matthews, Reese Matthews, Tonya Bushfield, Tracy Olsen, Jarrod Kaiser, Joshua Matthews, Joel Matthews, Amber Johnson, Amanda Stout, Ashley Munson, Ryan Salsbery and Abbee Spring Matthews; and several great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by his parents.
Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St., with Pastor Steve Bluse officiating. Burial with military rites and the Kokomo Military Rites team will follow at Albright Cemetery. Friends may visit with the family from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the mortuary.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Families Against Cults, P.O. Box 861, Fishers, IN 46038, or Answers in Genesis, P.O. Box 510, Hebron, KY 41048. Native plants and tree memorials are preferred.
You are invited to read Donald’s obituary at www.ellersmortuary.com, where you may view the family tribute, sign the guest book or share a personal message. Ellers Mortuary Webster Street Chapel, 3400 S. Webster St., is in charge of arrangements.
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Donald ‘Don’ E. Matthews
June 12, 1929 - March 18, 2013
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