Mark “Buzzard” Milo Matthews
November 27, 1951 – October 15, 2025
Mark Milo Matthews, known to many as “Buzzard,” age 73, of Flushing, Michigan, passed away peacefully on October 15, 2025, surrounded by his family.
Funeral service will be held at 2pm Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Swartz Funeral Home, 1225 West Hill Road, Flint, Michigan. Larry Ashlock officiating.
Visitation will be held at 11am Saturday, until the time of service at the funeral home.
Born November 27, 1951, in Dover, Delaware, to Leland and Jean T. Matthews (Trimmer), Mark spent most of his life in Flushing.
He married Patricia Burgess on November 17, 1970, and together they raised three children: Merrick (Shannon) Matthews, Melinda (Brad) Beresford, and Merranda Hutchens.
After 24 years of marriage, Mark later found love again with Teresa Ashlock, marrying her on November 27, 1996, and welcoming a stepson, Ryan Cahill, into his life.
Mark was a skilled welder who worked for Flushing Manufacturing and later for General Motors Service Parts Operations (now CCA), where he was an active member of UAW Local 659. Outside of work, Mark’s passions and commitments reflected his generous spirit and strong sense of community.
He was a founding member of the Barons Motorcycle Club and proudly wore his 50-year membership ring. A devoted member of Alcoholics Anonymous, Mark recently celebrated 33 years of sobriety—a milestone he was deeply proud of and that inspired many.
Mark loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping with his kids—and he never lost his love for the open road, often found riding one of his beloved Harley-Davidson motorcycles. Later in life, he found great joy in spending time with his grandchildren, especially riding go-karts and quads together. A licensed pyrotechnician, Mark delighted hundreds in the community with his fireworks shows, which became an annual highlight in Flushing.
He was also an avid supporter of the Old Newsboys of Flint, faithfully selling papers in the cold each year to raise funds for children in need, as well as selling raffle tickets year-round. Always ready to lend a hand, Mark was the kind of man who would loan out his tools, fix a neighbor’s project, or drop everything to help a loved one stranded on the side of the road.
Mark is survived by his wife, Teresa Matthews; his siblings, Clarinda Austin, Leah (Dave) Buck, John (Sandy) Matthews, and Regina Morciglio; his children, Merrick (Shannon) Matthews, Melinda (Brad) Beresford, and Merranda Hutchens; his step-son, Ryan Cahill; and his grandchildren, Matthew Hutchens, Haley Hutchens, Macy Matthews, Azaria Beresford, David Kean, Rory Matthews, Tristen Krampe, and Ethan Cahill. He is also survived by his beloved golden retriever, Sadie.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his granddaughter, Ayden Dorothy Whiting.
Mark will be remembered for his laughter, his loyalty, and his willingness to help anyone in need. His spark lives on in the lives he touched and the light he shared.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Old Newsboys of Flint in Mark’s memory.
The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the doctors and nurses at Hurley Medical Center’s Cardiac ICU for their compassionate care and kindness during Mark’s final days.
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