Harvey Van Matre

Harvey David Van Matre, 76, of Watson, Ill., died Friday, Dec. 29, 2006, at St. Anthony Memorial Hospital in Effingham, Ill.

He was born April 5, 1930, at Messler, Mo., son of Herbert D. and Goldie Price Van Matre. He and Patricia Schwermine were married in 1950. He and Patricia Choate were married July 15, 2006.

Van Matre owned and operated Dixie Cream in Centralia, Ill., several years. He worked for Dixie Cream in Effingham 11 years, had been a meat cutter at Martin IGA, and was a self-employed farmer. He attended Watson Baptist Church.

Survivors include his wife; a son, Doug Van Matre of Dieterich, Ill.; two daughters, Barb Shelley of Effingham, Denise Parks of Mason, Ill.; a sister, Mary Webb of Cape Girardeau; two stepchildren; five grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; four stepgrandchildren; and six great-stepgrandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents, a son, a brother and a grandson.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Tuesday at M.A. Neal Funeral Home in Effingham.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home. Burial will be in Oakridge Cemetery in Effingham.