Obituary of Jeffrey D. Matthews
Jeffrey D. Matthews
Age 77, passed away Thursday, December 31, 2020, unexpectedly of a heart attack at Morris Hospital. He was born June 1, 1943, to the late Genevieve (nee Ellis) and Rees J. Matthews in Morris where he resided all of his life. He graduated with the class of 1961 from Morris Community High School.
He is survived by his sisters, Judith A. (Leo E.) Winkel and Denise I. Matthews (special friend Jay Carr); niece, Caira A. Andrjeski; great-nephews, Connor and Carter Andrjeski.
In addition to his parents, Jeff is also preceded in death by his brother, Rees J. Matthews, Jr.
Jeff retired in 1993 from Caterpillar Tractor Co. after 30 years of dedicated service. When he was younger, he also enjoyed working at Joe’s Sandwich Shop.
Jeff had many wide and varied interests. He loved to bowl and was Captain of a left-handed bowling team “Lefties” for almost 35 years.
He was kidded about living in a time warp because of his love and preference of 50’s and 60’s music. He loved old movies with the Bowery Boys and Westerns with Roy Rogers and Hopalong Cassidy. Old-time radio shows, Elvis, all things Chevy, and stock car racing were favorites. He could be found checking out the old cars at Cruise Nights. He would frequently ride his bike on Old Stage Road to the 5-mile bridge and back.
Jeff was a Car man. When he was young he started his education in car paint working in his Dad’s body shop. He was happiest working in his garage. He could tell you more about paint than you ever wanted to know. Each car he worked on was treated like his own. He was a genius at looking at your scratch, scrape or scuff and knowing exactly what product to use to work his magic at taking out the mark and restoring the paint to its original luster and beauty.
Jeff loved to talk to people and valued his many personal relationships. He enjoyed going out to eat with family and friends. Steak, poor boys, cheeseburgers & fries, pizza, spaghetti, and chocolate chip cookies were his favorites.
He took special pride in his front lawn. He always edged it just so and kept it cut to look almost like green velvet.
Jeff touched a lot of lives and will be sadly missed by many. He was fun to be with and you felt good to be around him. He brought a lot of happiness to those who knew him. He had a ready smile and wave and would wish one and all, “Happy Trails”.
As it was Jeff’s wish, cremation rites have been accorded and due to current conditions, services will be held privately for his family. In lieu of flowers memorials to the Morris Hospital Transportation Unit would be appreciated.
For more information please call (815) 942-5040 or visit his Memorial Tribute at www.fredcdames.com where you can share a favorite memory or leave a condolence.
