Bob Matthews

Bob L. Matthews, 89, of Cape Girardeau passed away Saturday, Dec. 22, 2018, at Chateau Girardeau Healthcare Center.

Bob was born Oct. 4, 1929, in Bloomfield, Missouri, the third son of Joness Newton and Freda Pauline Matthews. He married Alene Shipman on March 27, 1948.

He is survived by his loving wife of 70 years, Alene Matthews of Cape Girardeau; his daughter, Judith Ann (John) Gallagher of Fort Worth, Texas; his son Robert L. Matthews (Diane Tjomsland) of Bow, Washington; two grandchildren, Catherine Ann (Paul) Carter and John Delaney (Leslie) Gallagher; five great-grandchildren; two brothers, Jack (Pauline) Matthews of Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, and Bill Matthews of Cape Girardeau; and three nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Joe Grant Matthews.

Bob worked for many years in the wholesale grocery business, serving as a division manager and executive director for promotions for Malone & Hyde and Fleming corporations.

He was a member of Centenary United Methodist Church and served on numerous church and community committees. Bob was very proud of his volunteer service at Southeast Hospital, accumulating more than 11,000 hours over a period of 24 years. He was named Volunteer of the Year in 1997.

A memorial service will be held at a later date.

The family requests any donations be made to Southeast Hospice in his name or to a charity of choice.

Online condolences may be shared at www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.