Howard Robert Matthews, 90, of Morgantown, W. Va., and formerly of Grampian, died Friday, Feb. 20, 2015 at the West Virginia University Hospital/Ruby Memorial in Morgantown, W. Va.
Born June 8, 1924 in Grampian, he was the son of John and Myrtle (Passmore) Matthews.
Mr. Matthews worked in the coal industry all of his life. He most recently retired as the owner and operator of Big M Coal Co. in Kingwood, W. Va. He was a member of the Hepburnia United Methodist Church in Grampian.
He wed the former Dollie L. Ellinger on July 6, 1946, who survives along with three daughters, Yvonne Lansberry and her husband, William of West Decatur, Janelle Savage and her husband, James of Clarksburg, W. Va., and Paulette Neese and her husband, Michael of Morgantown, W. Va.
Also surviving are four grandchildren, Brian Savage and his wife, Grace, Darcie Scott and her husband, Jamie, Andrienne McCracken and her husband, Brent and Sarah Downey and her husband, Paul; six great-grandchildren, Devon Cunningham, Emily Savage, Kaylee Scott, Keegan McCracken, Lauren Downey, and Ayslynn McCracken; a sister, Mae Maderia and her husband, Gust of Grampian; and several nieces, nephews and cousins.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters, Mary Block and Ruth Jones and brothers, John, James and Amos Matthews.
Funeral services for Mr. Matthews will be conducted at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc., 300 State St., Curwensville, with the Rev. Ronald Emery officiating. Burial will be in the Friends Cemetery of Grampian.
Friends will be received from 2 p.m. – 4 p.m. and from 6 p.m. – 8 p.m. Tuesday and from 10 a.m. Wednesday until time of services at the funeral home.
The family suggests contributions be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.
Online condolences may be made to the family at www.chidboyfuneralhome.com.
The Chester C. Chidboy Funeral Home Inc. of Curwensville is in charge of the arrangements.