Robin T. Matthews, age 83, of Wellston, passed away Saturday morning, May 25, 2013, at the VA Medical Center in Chillicothe, Ohio, following an extended illness, surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 28, 1930 in Athens, Ohio to the late Wayne Taylor Matthews and Marjorie Boyles Matthews.
Robin attended his elementary school and high school years in the Athens School system. He then went on to be a 1948 graduate of Lakeworth Florida High School. He graduated from the Ohio University in 1955 and completed his Master’s degree in 1976. Robin taught school in Zaleski, Union Scioto, the Unites States Prison at Chillicothe and the Wellston High School; the latter of which he taught at for 17 years. He taught various subjects, but enjoyed teaching history the most. His former students, which would number over 1,300, called him Papa Matthews.
Robin served 40 months in the Unites States Army and was a veteran of the Korean War. During that time, he was a medic and helped save lives and did not kill anyone. While serving in the Army, Robin had the honor of personally meeting and shaking hands with Bob Hope.
Robin was a 3rd Degree Mason and was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post 9092 of Wellston and the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston. He enjoyed playing cards and was an avid hunter from the age of 14 until the time of his death.
Robin is survived by his children, Arthur Taylor Matthews of Dayton and Kathryn Ann Walton of Wellston; grandchildren, Matt Walton of Port Charlotte, Fla., Bryan K. Matthews of Midland, Texas, Jonathan T. Matthews of Dayton and Victoria M. Matthews-Courter of Dayton, and his great-grandchildren, Brittany, Kaylynn, Allysa, Elizabeth, Isaac, Arielle and Sya.
Besides his parents, Robin was preceded in death by his loving and attentive wife of 61 years, Cherie M. Munn Matthews on May 10, 2013.
Calling hours will be Friday from 6 to 8 p.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home in Wellston. Funeral service will be Saturday at 11 a.m. at the McWilliams Funeral Home with Pastor Dave Kelly and Pastor David Faile officiating. Burial will follow in the Alexander Cemetery with military honors by the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston.
In lieu of flowers, Robin requested that donations be made to the American Legion Post 371 of Wellston for their excellent charity work for needy people, as well as their members and veterans. Donation may be sent to American Legion Post 371, 1001 South Pennsylvania Avenue, Wellston, Ohio 45692. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.mcwilliams-funeralhome.com.
via Robin T. Matthews – www.theTelegramNews.com | Jackson and Vinton County’s Home Page – Jackson, OH.