Steven L. Matthews

Steven "Steve" Leslie Matthews, 73, of Junction City, Kansas passed away on Sunday, January 19, 2025 at Stormont Vail Flint Hills Campus Hospital.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, January 31, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Xavier Catholic Church with Father Kerry Ninemire officiating. A visitation will be held on Thursday, January 30, 2025 from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. with a rosary following at 7:00 p.m. at St. Xavier Catholic Church. Burial will follow the service at St. Mary's Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Church. 

Steve was born on June 28, 1951 to William George and Faye Ione (Pearson) Matthews in Junction City, Kansas.

He graduated from Junction City High School with the class of 1969. He served as Treasurer for the Blue Jay Booster Club for several years. Steve had a passion for music that served his family, friends and loved ones well. With his vast collection of music, he was able to D J for many class reunions and events. His family remembers many dance parties throughout the years.

Steve was a Vietnam Veteran. He joined the Navy on November 30, 1970 and was honorably discharged in 1972. He later served in the United States Navy Reserves until 1975. He was aboard the USS Okinawa during the recovery of Apollo 15 after it landed in the Pacific Ocean close to the Hawaiian Islands on August 7, 1971.

Following his Navy service, he was hired at Fort Riley working as a civil servant in finance, as an electrician, and a Planner/Estimator until his retirement. Steve was a master electrician who owned and operated Steve Matthews Electric for 40 years. He enjoyed working with his many customers in Junction City. He inspired his son, Steven to go into the Electrical Field and was able to mentor him as an apprentice until the day of his stroke in 2022.

On March 29, 1975, he became a member of St. Xavier Catholic Church where he was baptized, received his First Holy Communion and Confirmation. 

Steve is survived by his loving wife of 49 years, Collette Matthews; his children, Dana (Brian) Kuntz, Michelle (Reid) Begnoche, Leslie (Josh) Ericson, Nicole Lisette Matthews and Steven Michael Matthews; ten grandchildren, Lily Begnoche, Anna Begnoche, Jonah Begnoche, Logan Kuntz, Olivia Begnoche, Alexander Begnoche, Noah Ericson, Charlie Kuntz, William Begnoche, and Eli Ericson; one brother, Kenneth W. Matthews; brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law Kevin Schrader, Laurie (Cliff) Crites, Diane White, Jon (Sandi) Fiffe, Marie (Greg) Larsen; and many loved nieces, nephews, family and friends.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his three siblings, Linda Jo Martin, William "Bill" Matthews and Carol Ann Schrader; his father and mother-in-law, Charles and Isabelle Fiffe (his Godparents); brothers-in-law, Charles White and Logan "Marty" Martin; sister-in-law, Vickie Matthews; and two grandbabies.