Aug. 1, 1941 — April 26, 2019

Frederick Joseph “Joe” Matthews, 77, of Benton Harbor, passed away, Friday, April 26, 2019, at The Willows in St. Joseph. A celebration of life memorial service will be at 4 p.m. Friday, May 10, at Starks and Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph, with Rev. David Colp officiating. Military Rites will be conducted by the North Berrien Military Rites Team. Friends may visit with the family beginning at 3 p.m. Friday, at the funeral home.

Memorial donations in Joe’s name may be made to the Alzheimers Association-Michigan Great Lakes Chapter-Kalamazoo. Those wishing to sign Joe’s Memory Book online may do so at starks-menchinger.com.

Joe was born Aug. 1, 1941, in Niles, to Frederick W. and Frances (VanBurgen) Matthews. He graduated from New Troy High School Class of 1958. Joe joined the U.S. Army immediately after high school and served his country during the early years of the Vietnam War, stationed at Fort Clayton in Panama.

On Dec. 21, 1962, he married the former Barbara Sample in St. Joseph. Joe was employed as a tool and die maker at Clark Equipment for many years. His career also led him to Whirlpool, South Shore Tool and Die in Baroda, and finally to Pullman’s in South Haven from where he retired in 2005.

Joe was an avid golfer and enjoyed the time spent on the area golf courses with his retired co-workers. He also enjoyed fishing and hunting. Joe was a member of the First Church of God in St. Joseph.

Joe is survived by his wife Barbara; his daughter Robyn Matthews Duncan, of St. Joseph; his grandson Cameron Duncan, of Kalamazoo; siblings-Kay (Alan) Ritter, of Bradenton, Florida, Jack (Barb) Matthews, of Portage, Michigan, Robert (Carole) Matthews, of Pauley Island, South Carolina, Tom (Sandy) Matthews, of Stevensville, Bill (Vivian) Matthews, of Niles; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents.