Keith Edward Matthews

Keith Edward Matthews was born January 13, 1967, in Marrero, Lousiana, the son of Lowell Eugene Matthews and Margaret Marie (Beier) Matthews. He passed away at Our Lady of the Lake Hospital in Baton Rouge, Louisiana June 1, 2025, at the age of 58.

He grew up in the New Orleans area and although he was an autistic young man, he attended St. Michael’s Special School through the sixth grade and Edna Karr for two years through eighth grade. He moved to Natchitoches to a group home in 1990, which at the time was a new concept for special needs individuals to have a semi-independent life to call their own.

Keith’s father was one of those who help initiate the group home concept through Evergreen Presbyterian Ministries, serving as CEO and in many other capacities. Keith, who lived in the home for at least 35 years, was kept very busy. In the first five to 10 years, he worked at Walmart as a maintenance man….cleaning yards, etc, and had numerous other opportunities through this program. He enjoyed movie night and weekend visits to the various restaurants around Natchitoches.

Throughout his years, Keith enjoyed traveling, attending many family functions, reunions, weddings and holiday celebrations. He was also quite the “foody!” He enjoyed discussing and revising the daily menus concerning what foods were going to be consumed. He enjoyed many varieties including Italian (lasagna and spaghetti), American (steaks, chicken and pork) and his all-time favorite: hamburgers!

He enjoyed spending time watching TV entertainment, especially Westerns such as Bonanza, Gunsmoke and Rifleman, all Star Trek episodes, and his most favorite Marvel character, the Hulk.

He is survived by three brothers: Mark Eugene Matthews, Bruce Allen Matthews, Roger Wayne Matthews and wife Deanna, all of New Orleans, LA; his aunt: Betty Gunn of Perry; two nephews: Christopher Wayne Matthews, New Orleans, LA, and Nicholas Levi Matthews, Goshen, Indiana; and a niece, Kayley Matthews Kish, Gretna, LA.

Keith’s legacy of humor, kindness, and love will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be greatly missed but never forgotten by those who loved him. He was gift to his family from God.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. Saturday, July 5, 2025, at Dighton-Marler Funeral Home. A cemetery service will follow at Grace Hill Cemetery.

Memorials made in his honor by making checks to Evergreen Life Services, in care of Dighton-Marler Funeral Home, PO Box 189, Perry, OK 73077.