MADISON – Richard David “Pastor Matt” Matthews, age 81, passed away on Wednesday, Jan. 28, 2015, at St. Mary’s Care Center, Madison.

He was born on May 16, 1933, in Van Wert, Ohio, the son of Dale and Evelyn (Riley) Matthews. He served in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller during the Korean Conflict. He attended Moody Bible Institute and was awarded a Th.D. by the Clarksville School of Theology. Richard was united in marriage to Marie Manera on Feb. 13, 1954. He served as an ordained minister for 54 years, including work as a missionary, family counselor and Christian radio broadcaster and a former pastor at Memorial Baptist Church. Richard was an amateur radio operator, hunter and outdoor enthusiast. He was also a commercial pilot and flight instructor.

He is survived by his wife, Marie; his children, Evi, David, Tom and John Matthews; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and sister, Virginia Hammons.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and brothers, Robert and Eugene Matthews.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 2, 2015, at MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH, 201 S. Main St., Verona.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Mission Outreach Society to defer final ministry expenses.

The family would like to thank the staffs at St. Mary’s Care Center and the VA Hospital for their loving care of Pastor Matt.

To view and sign this guestbook, please visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.

Richard Matthews

May 16, 1933 - January 28, 2015

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