Dr. Richard Matthews

Dr. Richard Hugh Matthews, 83, of Jackson went to his Lord peacefully Wednesday, April 3, 2024, at his home, surrounded by his family.

He was born July 12, 1940, in Providence, Rhode Island, to Eldon and Geneva Matthews. He married the love of this life, Barbara Cannon, on Aug. 24, 1963. The couple celebrated their 60th anniversary last August.

Richard received his doctorate in biochemistry from the University of Michigan and his medical degree from Ohio State University. His residency in radiation oncology was completed at M.D. Anderson Cancer Center in Houston.

Richard devoted his career to cancer research and treatment of patients, as well as the mentoring many graduate-level students in medicine and medical biochemistry. Every student mentored by him was enriched by that experience. He and his students published more than 100 articles in scholarly journals and presented their research at many scholarly meetings around the world.

Richard retired from Harvard Medical School in 2006. He and Barbara moved to Cape Girardeau to be near family. He enjoyed and excelled at patient care, and he began traveling with Barbara to places in need of radiation oncology coverage. He treated cancer patients in eight states until he was 79 years old.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara Matthews; son, David Matthews of Arnold; daughter, Lisa Matthews of Rolla; and two brothers, Robert (Carol) Matthews of Fairfax, Virginia, and William (Nancy) Matthews of Warrenton, Virginia.

A family celebration of life ceremony was conducted at Richard’s home, with the Rev. Carl Palmer officiating.

Ford and Sons Mount Auburn Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.

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