Roy Lee Matthews, 65, of Nappanee, Ind., passed at 7:50 p.m. Saturday, May 10, at Courtyard Healthcare in Goshen where he had been for 4 weeks.
He was born Jan. 6, 1949 in Judsonia, Ark., to William and Regina (Joyner) Matthews. He grew up and lived in Michigan City and Arkansas, and moved to Nappanee 10 years ago. He was in the United States Air Force for 4 years, serving in Vietnam. He married Sue Hurley on Feb. 22, 1969, in Michigan City. She survives.
Roy was a member of the Nappanee United Methodist Church, D.A.V., and the Nappanee American Legion. He worked as a Journeyman tool and die maker for 30 years.
He is survived by his wife; daughters: Kimberly Matthews, Nappanee; Jennifer (Todd) Coffeen, LaPorte, Ind.; grandchildren: T.J., Allison, Andrew, and Benjamin Coffeen; sisters: Virginia Weaver, Jane Cox both of Little Rock Ark.; Joan (Mike) Day of Montana, Cynthia Propes of Iowa; Geneva (Tim) Fry, Niles, Mich.; Debbie (Ron) Salzer, LaPorte; Cathy (John) Magnus, Illinois; and brothers: Larry (Pat) Matthews, Little Rock; John Matthews, Lafayette, Ind.
He was preceded in death by brothers: Mike, Joe, Zachary, George and Walter Matthews.
Visitation will be from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Friday, May 16, at Thompson-Lengacher & Yoder Funeral Home in Nappanee, and any time prior to the funeral service which begins at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 17, at the funeral home. Reverend Ronna Schwartz will officiate. There will be military grave rites at the funeral home prior to burial. Burial will follow at Swan Lake Cemetery in Michigan City.
Memorial contributions may be given to the D.A.V. or to the Shrine Hospital in Chicago.