Ervin Dow Matthews' Obituary
Ervin Dow Matthews of Dallas, Texas, was born on August 26, 1917 and went West on December 23, 2009. He was preceded in death by his wife of 48 years, Mary Edith Matthews; his parents, James Raleigh and Nella Johnson Matthews; brothers, James Autry, Glen Orville, and Thomas Ivan Matthews; sisters, Thelma Matthews Vaughan and Doris Matthews Wolfe. He is survived by daughters, Sharon Matthews Pappas and her husband, Bill; Carolyn Matthews Seely and her husband, Jim; five grandchildren, Todd Pappas and his wife, Cindy; Kory Pappas, Trey Pappas, Kendal Seely, Tarin Seely; two great-grandchildren, Makenna Pappas and Sierra Pappas; sisters, Janell Lindsey and her husband, Larry; Maxine Toole Duncan, and their families. He is also survived by Marjorie Crow, close friend and companion, and her family. Mr. Matthews was born at home in Oakland, Arkansas and grew up in Flippin, Arkansas. He graduated from high school in Kansas city and attended a technical school studying Radio Technology. After graduation, he was employed as a radio operator for Braniff Airways in Amarillo, Texas. He learned to fly in the CPTP (Civilian Pilot Training Program). After building his flying time, he was hired by Braniff Airways as a co-pilot in June of 1942. It is while he was in flight training in Amarillo that he met Mary Edith Batson, sister of his flight instructor. After a short courtship of six months, they were married on July 19, 1942 and began a long, exciting, and prosperous life together spanning nearly 49 years. Matt, as he was known by friends and associates, became a Captain in 1950 and retired after 38 years in 1977. His career spanned the era from fledgling airlines to jumbo jets. In retirement, Matt dedicated himself to golf, fishing, and grandkids. The Masters Golf Tournament was a must-see every year for Matt. Most of his family lived in North Augusta, South Carolina, and the visit was always a mini family reunion. Matt helped teach his grandchildren to fish, water safety, boat safety, how to catch fireflies, and he loved to sing them songs from his youth. Matt loved music and liked to dance. He was still out on the dance floor not more than a month before he passed away. Daddy, Dow, Matt, Mr. Matthews, Captain, Grampa, Padoon or ‘Ol Papa–whatever you called him, he will be missed and fondly remembered. A Memorial Service will be held at 12:30 PM on Saturday, January 9, 2010 at the Wildwood Chapel at Restland Memorial Park, Dallas, Texas. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children (2222 Welborn Street Dallas, TX 75219-3993 (214) 559-7555), and the Smile Train, www.smiletrain.org ( The Smile Train 28th Floor 41 Madison Avenue New York, New York 10010), or a charity of your choice.
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