Stephen A. Matthews

Stephen A. Matthews



Stephen Allen Matthews (Steve) died Saturday, August 26, 2023, in Bend, Oregon, surrounded by his loving family. He was 81. Born May 23, 1942, in Kansas City, MO, he moved to Albuquerque with his family in

1948. He was

predeceased by his father Herbert Eugene Matthews, his mother Mary Janet Maher, and a sister Sheila Gunter.

Steve graduated from Highland High School in 1960 immediately going on to the University of New Mexico. He worked first part-time, then full-time at Shoprite Foods still attending UNM while he supported his small family, graduating in 1967. He soon went to work at what was then The Gas Company of New Mexico., eventually becoming Supervising Manager of the Maintenance Division. While enjoying his employment at his position, he eventually left this company and started his own business, Two TTs Mechanical, where he became a subcontractor to his former employer, working for other vendors as well. In the early 2000s Steve opened two successful Great Clips hair salons in the Albuquerque area, leaving contracting behind.

In his spare time, Steve

picked up the basics of home construction and doubled the square footage of his house, completing everything himself except for the electrical. His large home soon became a gathering place for family and friends and even for the wedding of his sister Sheila. He loved to watch football, especially the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs, and invited friends and family over for the Super Bowl and other important games. He also enjoyed the game of golf, racquetball, and fishing.

Steve is survived by his daughter Cari Matthews Downing and husband Allan, granddaughter Abby Lane Downing, a grandson Jacob Irving, son Corey Matthews, and former wife Karen Kerns. Also surviving is a sister Sharon Matthews DiMaria and husband Sal, niece Susan Long, and a much loved nephew who cared for him in the last years of his life, Joel Myers and his wife Talisa, as well as his special friend Twila Donaldson.

Cremation has taken place. A Celebration of Life Ceremony will take place in early November.