Gene W. Matthews

Gene W. Matthews age 90, of Caldwell, OH passed away Thursday, December 2, 2021 at Altercare Summit Acres Nursing Home in Caldwell. He was born July 8, 1931 in Marietta, OH a son of the late Otto Gurgis and Lillie Ann Medenhall Matthews.

He graduated from Marietta High School, where he played basketball and ran cross country. He arrived in Noble County in the early 50’s to work at Cleveland Graphite and Bronze Company (Gould). Gene was an entrepreneur at heart and owned businesses for over 65 years with a variety of endeavors including the Noble Playland, Western Auto, vending and others. He was an avid Zeps Basketball fan for many years and went to all the games for as long as he was able. He was an honored blood donor for many gallons contributed over the years. He will always be remembered as being very proud of his whole family.

In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his wife E. Frances “Cricket” Buckey Matthews; son Brady R. Miller; grandson Jason Earl Staley; great-granddaughter Tiffany Dawn Morris; 3 brothers Gerald, Gale, and Glen Matthews.

Those left to cherish his memory are his children Kathy (Ray) DeVolld of Pataskala, OH, Allen (Denise) Matthews of Caldwell, Leonard E. (Fiancée Linda Todd) Matthews of Cambridge, and Jim (Margaret) Matthews of St. Joseph, MI; 9 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 7 great-great-grandchildren. He was also survived by several nieces, nephews, and friends.

The family will receive friends for visitation Monday, December 6, 2021 from 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM at the Chandler Funeral Home & Cremation Service, 609 West Street, Caldwell, OH 43724. A Funeral Service will conclude visitation Monday at 6:00 PM with his son Pastor Jim Matthews and Pastor Randolph White co-officiating. Services will conclude at the funeral home and inurnment will be held at a later date in Halley’s Ridge Cemetery next to his wife Cricket. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the Belle Valley Fire Department, PO Box 16, Belle Valley, OH 43717. 

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