DECEMBER 16, 1931 – NOVEMBER 10, 2022
Obituary
Wiley Eugene “Gene” Matthews was born on December 16, 1931 in Houston, Texas to George Wiley and Muriel Samuels Atkinson Matthews and passed away peacefully at home on November 10, 2022. He grew up in Houston and graduated from Reagan High School in 1950 where he ran track. After high school he attended the University of Houston until he was drafted in October of 1951. Gene attended basic training at Fort Hood and was stationed in Regensburg, Germany. He took full advantage of his time in Europe and spent his free time traveling to Rome, Italy, France and Pompeii. Gene retired from the City of Houston in 1985. He was a Master Mason and a member of Woodland Masonic Lodge #1157 for over 60 years. Gene was a man of many talents. There wasn’t anything he couldn’t fix or build. He loved watching old westerns, football, and anything pertaining to WWII. Gene had a great sense of humor and loved picking on everyone. He was known as “Super Pawpaw” to his great-grandchildren.
Gene was preceded in death by his parents, wife Anna Ruth Eason Matthews, older brother Tommy Matthews, daughter-in-law Tillie Matthews, and son-in-law Don McReynolds. He is survived by his sons, Kevin Matthews and wife Julia, Keith Matthews and wife Jennifer, Bryan Ketcher and wife Mary; and a daughter, Nancy McReynolds. Grandchildren: Jennifer Wolfe, Benjamin Matthews and wife Leah, Brittany Vesel and husband Matthew, Kyle McReynolds, Emily Mueller and husband Chris; great-grandchildren Bailey Tirado, Ellie and Teddy Matthews, Paxton and KaraLee Vesel, Cayden and Caleb Mueller. Nephew: Tommy Matthews, Jr. and Niece: Conni Welch.
Pallbearers are Keith Matthews, Ben Matthews, Bryan Ketcher, Bailey Tirado, Kyle McReynolds, Chris Mueller, Tommy Matthews, Jr. and Jim Opre.
Visitation will be held at 9:00 am on Wednesday, November 16, 2022 at Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Home in Nacogdoches, Texas followed by a funeral service at 10:00 am. Burial will take place at 3:00 pm at Woodside Cemetery in Grand Saline.
In lieu of flowers please consider donating to the Nacogdoches County Food Bank, the American Cancer Society or the Alzheimer’s Association.
Special thanks to Dr. David Duke III, Visiting Angels and Harbor Hospice for taking such great care of our Dad.
Arrangements are under the direction of Cason Monk-Metcalf Funeral Directors.