Robert Matthews Jr.

Robert Matthews Jr. began his journey to Heaven on April 25, 2022.

He was born in Wyalusing, Pa. At age 17, he joined the Marine Corps. He served the Corps honorably and retired as a Sergeant Major after 30 years of service. Some of his duty stations included: China, Korea, Vietnam, Europe, South America, and North Africa down to Capetown, South Africa. He was a life member of the following: Purple Heart Association, Drill Instructor Association, 3rd Marine Division, American Legion, Veterans of Foreign War, Moose Lodge, North American Hunting Club, Marine Corps League, West Virginia State Farm Museum, and the Episcopal Church.

In 2002, he married Rita Lewis, a retired schoolteacher. They traveled extensively in many countries including China which was his first duty station in 1946-48. His favorite vacation spot was the Onslow Beach at the Camp Lejeune Marine Base. He served the Boy Scouts of America for over 50 years. For many years, he served as Chairman of the Advancement Committee, Tri - State Area Council. During his devotion to the Scouts, he received the Silver Beaver award. After retirement and relocating to the Big Bend Area, he began volunteering at the West Virginia State Farm Museum. One of his finest accomplishments was having a building built to house a Military Museum. It houses over 100 uniforms that include all branches of the service and various military artifacts. Everything in it was donated by Robert and his wife, Rita, and friends, mostly local. Robert faithfully volunteered at the Farm Museum every day until the time of his death.

He was preceded in death by his parents and seven siblings: Francis Matthews, Kenneth Matthews, Leo Matthews, Phyllis Matthews Olphant, Lewis Matthews, Carl Matthews, and Stanley Matthews; and a grandson, Jeffrey Crawford.

He is survived by his wife, Rita; a sister, Betty Matthews Belloma; children: Shela (Buddy) Crawford, Karla (Steve) Martin, Bobby (Debbie) Matthews, Daren (Jill) Matthews, Stacy (Darrell) Hughes; his grandsons: Brent Matthews, Zach Crawford, D. J. Matthews, Josh Coon, and Aaron Coon; a stepdaughter Shana (Danny) Vanscoy; special friends Shawn and Maggie Williams, Jeff and Crystal Baughman, Jeffrey Baughman, and Michael Oliver.

A celebration of his life will be held on Saturday, May 7, 2022, at Grace Episcopal Church, 326 East Main Street, Pomeroy. Music begins at 10 a.m. and the service begins at 10:30 a.m. with Father Joshua Nelson and Mother Marie Mulford officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Robert's honor to the West Virginia State Farm Museum, 1458 Fairgrounds Road, Point Pleasant, WV 25550. Funeral arrangements are being made by the Anderson McDaniel Funeral Home, Pomeroy. Burial of remains will be at the Meigs Memory Garden.