Kirby W. Matthews

Kirby W. Matthews, age 82, of Gholson, passed away early Monday afternoon, January 15, 2018 at Providence Hospital in Waco. Funeral services will be held 2:30 p.m. Friday, January 19, 2018 at the First Baptist Church in Gholson, with Rev. James Stevens and Pastor Tater Paschel officiating. Burial will follow at Gholson Cemetery. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. Kirby was born September 12, 1935 in Houston, the son of L.O. "Zeke" and Vera (Newton) Matthews. He graduated from West High School in 1953. Kirby served his country with the United States Navy. He worked for General Tire & Rubber Company for over 21 years until his retirement in 1986. Kirby also loved farming and was a scissor sharpener. He was a member of First Baptist Church in Gholson for most all of his life, where he served as a Deacon. Kirby was also a member of SPJST Lodge #66 in Elm Mott. He enjoyed writing and journaling. He treasured his grandchildren and great grandchildren and they were his greatest source of pride. Kirby is preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert F. Matthews. Survivors include his wife Donda Matthews of Waco; his children, Barbara DeChaume and husband Johnny of Valley Mills, Andy Matthews and wife June of Concord, CA, Rick Matthews and wife Jennie May of Phoenix, OR, Lizabeth Wallace and fiance Mark Goetz of West, Sam Matthews and wife K.K. of West, Tom Alford of West and Ronda Anderson and husband Brett of Citrus Heights, CA; sister-in-law, Judy Lewis; 23 grandchildren; 26 great grandchildren; nieces and nephews, Nannette Morgan and husband Donnie, Tonya Montgomery and husband Charley, Jeff Matthews and wife Karen Hix, David Matthews, and Debbie Griffith and husband Doug; and many other relatives and friends. Pallbearers are Timothy DeChaume, Christopher DeChaume, Daniel Butler, Rolland Alford, Kyle Matthews, Matthew Wallace, Zachary Wallace, Mark Weger, Jack Wallace, Ricky Anderson, Edgar Houghtby, John Leon, Dustin Matthews, Joseph Matthews, Brian Matthews, Sam Benitez, Austin Wallace, Kyle Romero, Tommy Alford, Neal Alford, Mark Goetz, David Matthews, and Jeff Matthews. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Gholson.