ROBERT MATTHEWS SR.

SIKESTON -- Robert S. Matthews Sr., 75, of Sikeston, died Monday, April 8, 1996, at Missouri Delta Medical Center.

He was born July 16, 1920, in Sikeston, son of Joseph L. and Lucile Alexander Matthews Sr. He and Augusta Sasser were married July 10, 1983, in San Antonio, Texas.

Matthews was a graduate of Sikeston High School and attended Rollins College and the University of Miami. He helped found Parks Flying School in Sikeston, where he served as ground school instructor during World War II. He was a licensed pilot and had logged more than 4,000 hours.

He was founder and president of Matthews Cotton Co. in Matthews, Bucoda Gin Co. in Senath, and Auburn Seed Co. in Sikeston. He had been active in farming and ranching in Missouri and Texas.

Matthews was past president of Sikeston Industrial Development Committee. He was a member of Missouri Delta Medical Center Board 37 years, served as chairman two years, and on the executive board many years.

He also served 50 years on the board of the Bank of Sikeston/Amerifirst Bank/Mercantile Bank, and was chairman of the board 22 years.

Matthews was a member of First United Methodist Church in Sikeston, and member of the board of St. Paul School of Theology in Kansas City. He was a member of Sikeston Chamber of Commerce, and had received the Agri-business Man of the Year Award.

Survivors include his wife; two sons, R. Scott Matthews Jr. of Sikeston, Patrick Matthews of Black Mountain, N.C.; a daughter, Dr. Elizabeth Brunt of St. Louis; three stepsons, Ford Sasser III of McAllen, Texas, Trebes Sasser of San Antonio, Stuart Sasser of Corpus Christi, Texas, and 14 grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by a brother.

Friends may call at Nunnelee Funeral Chapel from 5-8 p.m. today, and after noon Wednesday at First United Methodist Church.

Funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at the church, with the Revs. Charles Buck, Fred Leist and Tom Geers officiating. Burial will be in Memorial Park Cemetery.