Charles H. Matters

1929 - 2021

Charles H. Matters Charles H. Matters, age 91, passed away Monday May 10. He was born December 7, 1929, to Paul and Bertha (Kalbach) Matters in Lebanon, PA. He was married to Audrey (Winters) Matters. They had three children. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School, Lebanon, Class of 1949. He received his Bachelor’s Degree from Millersville University in 1952 and his Master’s Degree from Penn State University in 1965. Previously, he taught a year at Richland High School, two years at Northern Lebanon High School, and 10 years in the Lebanon High School. He was appointed Vocational Education Program Director for the Reading-Muhlenberg Vocational Technical School in 1965, which included responsibility for planning, equipping, staging, and operating the proposed area vocational-technical school. He was proud of the school and especially of the students. He served as director for the school until his retirement in 1988. Charles was a WW2 veteran and a lifetime member of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and American Legion. He was also a member of several other organizations: Past President and a founding father of the Pennsylvania Vocational Administrators Association; Board Member 17 years and past President of the Humane Society of Berks County; Board Member Wilshire Recreation Association; leader, Boy Scouts of America; member and past Treasurer of the Heidelberg Lions Club, Lebanon County. While teaching, before becoming an administrator, he worked as a carpenter Summers; and he was employed to work on Bobby Kennedy’s mansion in McLean, VA, the Summer of 1963. Later, he conducted his own construction business in the summertime. He also was an avid gardener and reader. Surviving are: a son, Todd A. Matters, husband of Cheryl (Halstead) Matters, Royersford, PA; a daughter, Kristen A. Matters, Lebanon, PA; grandsons Joshua Matters and Jacob Matters of Royersford. He was preceded in death by a beloved son, Chuckie Matters in 1970; his wife Audrey (Winters) Matters; brothers Paul Matters, Allen Matters, Raymond Matters, Harty Murray; a sister Theresa Yorty. Also surviving are Revena Reichard, sister, Utah; brothers Dr. Robert Knisley, Watch Hill, RI; and James Knisley, Gilbertsville; also, nieces and nephews. Services are private. Memorial donations may be made to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, Children’s Foundation, 34th Street & Civic Center Boulevard, Philadelphia, PA 19104.