MATTHEWS, William H

MATTHEWS, HOOK, FARIS

Posted By: Nancy (email)
Date: 2/14/2003 at 14:51:58

February 13, 2003 Morning Sun News Herald and the Wapello Republican. I am not related and have no further information.

William H. Matthews, 97, of Wapello, Iowa, died February 11, 2003, at the Wapello Nursing and Rehab Center. He was born October 8, 1905 in Jefferson Township, Louisa County, to Soloman Benson and Dasie Lea Hook Matthews.

He graduated from Wapello High School in 1924 and attended Cornell College, the University of Iowa and Iowa Wesleyan College.

He married Mary E. Faris on October 29, 1929, in Burlington. She preceded him in death on October 10, 1988.

Mr. Matthews was a teacher, athletic coach and administrator for 22 years in schools at Huron, Wapello, Mediapolis, and Grandview. He also taught at the Hopewell country school in Port Louisa Township.

He was employed for 22 years by the U.S. Department of Agriculture Soil Conservation Service as a soil technician.

He was a 70-year member of the Wapello Masonic Lodge No. 5 AF & AM where he had served as past master, treasurer and chaplain. He was a member of the Davenport Consistory, a charter member and past president of the Wapello Kiwanis Club, a charter member and past president of the Louisa County Historical Society, a charter member of the Louisa County Genealogical Society, a member of the State Historical Society of Iowa and the Soil and Water Conservation Society of America.

Mr. Matthews received the Iowa Volunteer Hall of Fame Award in 1991 from Gov. Terry Branstad.

He was a longtime active member of the Wapello United Methodist Church where he taught Sunday school for 45 years. In 1976 he was named Methodist Lay Person of the Year by Bishop Thomas.

Friends may call after noon Thursday at the Dudgeon-McCulley Funeral Home where Masonic services will be held at 6:30 p.m. with visitation with the family following until 8 p.m.

A memorial fund has been established.

Funeral services will be at 10:30 a.m. Friday at the Wapello United Methodist Church, with the Rev. Harlan Winter officiating.

Burial will follow at the Wapello Cemetery. Pallbearers are David Matthews, Robert Matthews, Mark Matthews, Paul Matthews, Willi8am A. Matthews, Richard Matthews, Roy Siefken, Bill Ferrel and Todd Cleppe. Honorary bearers are James DeVore, Bill Baugh, Wayne Souer, Don Williams, Terry Wilson, Charles Beck and Ed Bane. Flower attendants are Roberta Siefken, Rebecca Vorkapich, Ann Buckley, Marla Matthews, Maria Cleppe, Paty Ferrel, Kay Matthews, and Gail Matthews.

Honorary attendants are Pauline Swafford, Lucille Durrette, Betty Allen, Mary Ann Showen, Treva Beard, Marilyn Stammer, Nola Werner, Helen Johnson, Anita Odle, Mary Bety Carey and Eleanor Stone.

Survivors include four sons, William and wife Patricia of Wapello, Robert and wife Joan of Wapello, Gene and In-Sook of Iowa City and Evan and wife Marilyn of Iowa City; 11 grandchildren; two stepgrandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, two sisters, Nettie Hayes and Fannie Cross and three brothers, Bob, Burt, and Ralph Matthews.