Paul Ray Matthews

Paul R. Matthews died on August 11, 2025, at his home in Lawrence, KS. He had been sick for some time.

Paul was born on October 13, 1949, to Paul A. and Lillie M. (Mills) Matthews at Fredericktown, MO. Paul grew up in Fredericktown and Bollinger County, MO. He graduated from Patton High School, Patton, Mo. In June of 1969 he enlisted in the United States Air Force. He took Basic Training at Lackland AFB in San Antonio, TX. After Basic Training, he had more specific training in aircraft maintenance at AFBs in Wichita Falls, TX and Wichita, KS. He had tours of duty at two different bases in Thailand maintaining F105’s. His next assignment took him to Langley AFB in Virginia where he maintained C9a aircraft. While on leave in July 1972 he returned to Bollinger County, MO and married Dorothy Jean Eaker. To this union two sons were born, Eric Paul and Michael Wayne Matthews. Paul continued serving in the Air Force taking his family with him as much as possible. He served at Scott AFB in Belleville, IL; Spangdahlem AB, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany; George AFB, Victorville, CA; RAF Alconbury, Huntingdon, England; and Reese AFB, Lubbock, TX. He had temporary and/or special duty at Belleville, IL; Zaragoza, Spain; Aviano-Pordenone, Italy; Adana, Turkey; and RAF Lossiemouth, Moray, Scotland. At the rank of Master Sergeant, he retired in 1989 while stationed at Reese AFB in Lubbock, TX. After retirement from the Air Force he moved back to Southeast Missouri. He worked for Walmart until retirement age. He and Dorothy moved to Lawrence, KS to be near their grandchildren.

Paul is survived by Dorothy Matthews, his wife of 53 years; his son Eric Matthews, daughter-in-law Tracy Matthews and their sons Alexander, William, and Henry; his son, Michael Matthews and daughter-in-law, Elizabeth Matthews; sisters, Sue Matthews and Bev Bequette; brother-in-law, Les Bequette; sisters-in-law, Joyce Yamnitz, Carol Elam and Martha Eaker; cousin and “Adopted Sister”, Sheila Powell; and a very large number of cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Lillie (Mills) Matthews, special uncle and aunt, Norman and Metta Matthews; sister, Kay Matthews; in-laws, Dick and Cynthia Eaker, Bobby and Nina Eaker, Jimmy Eaker, Terry Elam and Carl Yamnitz.

A private service (immediate family only) with military honors for the interment of ashes will be held at Fort Leavenworth, KS. A memorial gathering will also be held at Patton Methodist Church in Patton, MO on Saturday, September 6. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to the Air Force Aid Society (afas.org).