Tom Durham Matthews, Jr.'s Obituary
Tom Durham Matthews, Jr. went to be with his Lord, Jesus Christ following a long illness on April 25, 2015 at the age of 78. He was born August 8, 1936, to Lois Walker and Tom Durham Matthews, Sr. in Dallas, Texas. Residing in Dallas his entire life, he grew up in the Park Cities, and graduated from Highland Park High School in 1953. He attended Southern Methodist University where he pledged Delta Chi fraternity. He earned his BA in accounting in 1957 and his LLB in 1960. On May 31, 1957, he wedded his high school sweetheart, Suzanne Shumaker in Perkins Chapel. They were married 57 years. He began his practice of the law following graduation in 1960 and actively practiced for 54 years. He was one of the organizers of the Dallas Bar Construction Section. Later he served as its Chairman. In 1990 he received the outstanding service award as Chairman of the Construction Law Section of the Dallas Bar Association. Moreover, he was recognized for outstanding contributions as a contributing author of Creditors Rights in Texas (2nd Ed.) In 1989 The Dallas Chapter of General Contractors recognized him for outstanding contributions. In 2000 the Texas Bar Foundation recognized him as a Life Fellow. As an active member of the Highland Park United Methodist Church since 1943, he and his wife taught 2nd grade Sunday School and co-facilitated a Parenting class for two years. He further served on the Board of Trustees and was a long time member of the John Wesleyan Fellowship Sunday School class, serving with Suzanne co-presidents for two years. The Matthews have resided in Pierremont Townhomes for 20 years. Both active on the Board of Directors, he served as president one year. He was preceded in death by his father, Tom Durham Matthews, Sr. in 1988 and his mother, Lois Walker Matthews in 1973. Survivors include his wife, Suzanne Matthews, Son and Daughter-in-Law Mark and Kathy Matthews of Ft. Worth, TX, Daughter, Amy Elizabeth Matthews Brochhausen and husband Keith, of Houston, TX, and grandchildren, Walker and Rebecca Matthews. Through the years, his hobbies included fishing and skiing. He was a long time member of Ferndale Fishing Club and served on their Board of Directors numerous times. It was often said he’d rather be fishing than eating! A Private burial will be at Restland Memorial Park, followed by a memorial service in the sanctuary of Highland Park United Methodist Church, 3300 Mockingbird Lane, on April 29 at 3:00 p.m. Walt Marcum will conduct the service. Following the service, the family will greet guests in the Great Hall. In lieu of flowers, please make contributions to the Multiple Sclerosis Society or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Restland Funeral Home and Memorial Park, 13005 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX 75243
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