Thurlow I. Matthews

Thurlow Irvin "Matt" Matthews, 89, Topeka played his final scrabble tile on Wednesday, November 18, 2020 at his home.

He was first greeted by his parents Edgar M. and Drusilla Matthews on December 6, 1930 in Topeka, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his brother, Edgar (Jacquelyn) Matthews and his sister, Drusilla (William) Crouch.

After graduating from Topeka High School in 1948, Matt proudly served his country for four years in the United States Air Force during the Korean War. Matt went to work for the Federal Government, retiring as a Commodities Inspector.

Matt married Jacquelyn Ward in 1958, they later divorced. On July 29, 1970, he married Karen Weissbeck. They celebrated their 50th anniversary this year. She survives. Also surviving are his sons, Richard (Terri) Matthews, Atlanta, GA; Jeffrey Matthews, Wamego, KS and Kevin (Michelle) Matthews, Manhattan, KS, grandsons, Cameron (Brooke), Greyson (Lyndsey), Indiana and LeCrosse and great-grandson Lukas.

Matt was a formidable tennis player in his youth. His lifelong attention to detail was apparent in the numerous RC airplanes and furniture pieces he built. Matt's mastery of the game SCRABBLE made him a legend in his immediate family.

He was a member of American Legion Post 400 and several R.C. flying clubs around Topeka.

Matt requested in lieu of flowers, donations be made in his name to the Helping Hands Humane Society or the Topeka Rescue Mission. His family would like to thank Midland Care of Topeka for their compassionate care of Matt in his final days.

Graveside services will be held at Mount Hope Cemetery in Topeka with military honors on Monday, November 30, 2020 at 1:00 p.m. Full Covid protocol will be in place.

Matt was a kind and gentle man who will be greatly missed by his family and friends.

To leave a message for Matt's family, please visit the guestbook below.