Corey Matthews

PEORIA - Avionics Technician Third Class Corey Allen Matthews, 23, of Fort Worth, Texas, formerly of Peoria, Ill., passed away Sunday, Feb. 20, 2011.

Corey was born March 31, 1987, in Peoria, Ill., to Richard E. and Jeana R. (Harris) Matthews.

He is survived by his parents of Bloomington, Ill.; his brother, Colin (Brittany), and sister, Cassi, both of Bloomington, Ill., and sister, Shannon (Shannon) LaTour of Chillicothe, Ill.; grandparents, Georgia and Joe Lookabill of Apache Junction, Ariz., and Flossie Matthews of Washington, Ill.; and his aunts and uncles, Paula and Dewey DeWeese of Kickapoo, Ill., Marcia and Al Goodwyn of Herndon, Va., Sara and Jim Wheeler of Flanagan, Ill., Gary Matthews and Lisa Schechtel of East Brunswick, N.J., Jim and Julie Matthews of West Palm Beach, Fla., Vickie and Ted Shaw of Savannah, Ga., Anita DeLite of Tacoma, Wash., Kathy Smith of Washington, Ill., Steve and Renee Lorengo of Wenona, Ill., and Vickie Lorengo of Germantown, Ill. He also is survived by one nephew, Nolan LaTour; one niece, Natalie Hazlerigg; and 26 first cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Paul E. Harris and Richard E. Matthews Sr.; his uncle, Chuck Lorengo; and his first cousin, Bryan Denning.

Corey's childhood memories began in Peoria, Ill. He played basketball for Pleasant Valley Grade School and hockey at the Owens Center.

As a child, he loved playing the piano, and in fourth grade played a solo for the school's Christmas program.

For two years, through rain and shine, he, his brother, Colin, and dad delivered newspapers.

He attended high school in Norco, Calif., and graduated in York, Pa.

Corey never met a stranger and developed many friendships as a young man.

As an athlete, he played rugby for the York County Park District, and as a student, he demonstrated high achievement in electronics.

In September 2007, Corey enlisted in the United States Navy. He completed basic training in Great Lakes, Ill., and was stationed in Fort Worth, Texas, as a member of the VR-59 Squadron. Corey found his passion in serving his country in the Navy.

As an avionics technician third class, he traveled to countries all over the world.

Corey also was an honor guard in the Navy and earned the distinction of 2009 Lone Star Sailor of the Year and Lone Star Sailor of the Quarter, twice. He was a highly decorated Airman with two Navy Achievement Medals. He was authorized to wear the Navy Battle "E" Ribbon, National Defense Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Service Ribbon and the Navy Expert M16 Rifle.

Corey emulated the Navy's core values of honor, courage and commitment.

Corey adored his family and friends and loved children.

He loved the outdoors and enjoyed boating, camping, fishing and all outdoor sports. His favorite hobby was racing RC cars, and he loved his buddy golden retriever, Hunter.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 1, 2011, at Deiters Funeral Home & Crematory in Washington, Ill., where full military honors will be accorded by the United States Navy. Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28, 2011, at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded after the service.

Memorials may be made to the Corey A. Matthews fund, c/o CEFCU.

Corey worked hard and played hard. He brought joy to the lives of everyone who knew him. His precious memory and spirit will live in our hearts for eternity.

Thank you for being a part of Corey's life.

Corey's memorial website is available at www.deitersfuneralhome.com, where condolences may also be sent to the family and where a live public webcast of Corey's service will be available.