Richard Leslie Matthews
October 21, 1922 — May 7, 2021

Richard Matthews-- a man like no other, a charter member of the Greatest Generation. He was above all else, kind, loving and dependable.

Dad had fifteen years of being able to be a kid—and then his mother died. Life changed a great deal after that, as he began his dedicated practice of putting others first. He helped his father raise and provide for his two sisters by working on the farm, the source of most of their food and income. He once said that he would have loved to play baseball with his school friends but had to get home for chores. We hope that you are playing now, Dad. Hitting home runs and running bases with lots of back-slapping and laughter.

His college education was interrupted by WWII. A farm boy from rural Springfield, Mo, who started life without running water or electricity, found himself in the Pacific as a bomber pilot for the Marines. He shared some of his stories later in life. We are lucky that he lived for us to know him as Dad. His tent mates were "a good group of boys" who stayed in touch for the rest of their lives.

When asked what he wanted to be remembered for, it was his service during WWII and also serving as Sunday School Superintendent at University Heights Baptist Church. During his volunteer time, a curriculum was developed for grade school through high school aged students, with the goal to educate kids on the New Testament.

His business career was with MFA Milling Company, where he worked as a chemist. During his employment he managed and expanded their laboratory and established a library. When he retired from MFA he joined Polly at House of Travel, giving them the opportunity to travel extensively.

Mom and Dad were married for over 75 years. Their marriage came first, followed by family. They spent their lives taking care of others—their 4 children, their siblings and helping others through volunteer work and lending a helping hand. In later years you could often hear them singing to each. I Love You Truly, and Have I Told You Lately That I Love You were favorites.

Dad was known for his dry wit and well-timed wisdom. Older age was difficult when he had to give up working in his woodshop. He told us, "The problem with not having anything to do, is you never know when you're finished."

To a grandson he said. "You have a lot of good marbles, you just have to know how to shoot them." …and "Mom doesn't lose her patience. She never had any to begin with."

Dad, your presence is missed, but you are always in our hearts.

Richard is survived by his wife, Polly, his children Kathy Matthews (Magueye Seck), Linda Strait, Ellen Magers (Randy), David Matthews (Robin), his grandchildren Moussa Seck, Carrie Thomas, Kevin Simon, Mark Magers (Anne), Bethany Maddock (Nathan), Jessica Matthews and Erin Matthews, 8 great-grandchildren, loving and loved nieces, Daphne Panopoulous and Lisa Panopoulous (Dex Agourides) and many beloved in-laws, nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM, Thursday, May 13, 2021 at Gorman-Scharpf Funeral Home.  Private Graveside Service will be at White Chapel Memorial Gardens.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to University Heights Baptist Church, 1010 S. National Ave., Springfield, MO 65804.