|
Service:
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Camp Butler National
Cemetery in Springfield, IL.
Funeral home:
Fricke-Calvert-Schrader, Lincoln
Obituary
Charles E. “Gene” Matthews, 85, of
Springfield, IL, passed away on Saturday, May 3,
2025, at Springfield Memorial Hospital.
Charlie was born on August 3, 1939, in Glen-Dean,
KY, the son of Elliot Z. & Sylvania M. (Berry)
Matthews. He married Linda Young in March of 1958.
They had seven children: daughters, Veronica
Matthews, Bess (Robert) Getman, Barbara Nye, and
Paulette (Ignacio) Matthews-Gonzales. Charles was
preceded in death by two sons, John Elliott
Matthews, Charles E. Matthews Jr., and a daughter,
Teresa Lynn Borero.
Charlie married and is survived by Carol Voelker in
October of 1979. Carol has one daughter, Sheryl
(Kenny) Gibbs.
Charlie is survived by sisters, Loretta Mercer
Matthews, Laurita (Rollin) Goodrich, Carolyn (Dave)
Laudenback, and Darlene (Jim) Biggs. Charles was
preceded in death by his brother, James Matthews.
Charlie leaves behind 37 grandchildren, 43
great-grandchildren, 5 great-great-grandchildren,
and numerous nieces and nephews.
Charlie proudly served his country as a member of
the U.S. Marine Corps, continuing his proud service,
never missing an opportunity to serve in any way
needed. |
After he left the Marines, Charlie
became a truck driver and worked in all aspects of
trucking, ending his career as a dispatcher for
Davis Trucking Services in Elkhart, IL. He was
affectionately known as “Trailboss” and as the
“Walking Atlas”. Charlie logged over a million miles
safely.
Charlie adored all of his family,
siblings, children, grandchildren, cousins and
friends. He never met a stranger, and he always made
everyone feel equally loved.
Charlie belonged to the VFW in Joshua Tree, CA,
American Legion Post 616 in Elkhart, IL, and the
Marine Corps League in Lincoln, IL.
Graveside services will be held at 10:00 am on
Thursday, May 15, 2025, at Camp Butler National
Cemetery in Springfield, IL. In lieu of flowers,
memorial donations may be made in Charles’ name to
The Marine Corps League Detachment #1336.
Click here to send a note of condolence to the
family of Charles E. “Gene” Matthews
|
