Age 97, Thursday, April 30, 2020. Preceded in death by his wife, Rose Marie “Luffy” (nee Nussbaum). Ed was one of seven children born to Edward and Agatha Matthews of St. Louis, MO. Dear brother of the late Lorraine (Joe) Swartz, the late Mary Margaret (Edward) Mahen, Jean (Francis) Steffen, Fred (the late Shirley, surviving Beverly) Matthews, Ted Matthews (Mary Helen) and Shirley (the late John) Bish. Ed and Luffy had no children, but he was “Uncle Ed” to nineteen nieces and nephews.
Ed was the radio operator and gunner on a B25 in the South Pacific during WWII and flew 43 combat missions. On the 21st mission, his plane was shot down and after a week of RR he returned to service. He received commendations including the Purple Heart and Distinguished Service Medal.
After the war, Ed worked for the post office as a letter carrier in the south St. Louis, Bevo Mill community; he also was the editor of the Neighborhood Newport News. Ed especially enjoyed telling war stories and repairing clocks and watches. He also was a skilled woodworker and built cabinetry and beautiful detailed furniture pieces. He enjoyed 55 happy years with his sweetheart, Luffy, until her passing in 2003.
Due to current national health guidelines, there will be a private visitation at Kutis South County Chapel. Private interment at J.B. National Cemetery. The family wishes to say a special thank you to the wonderful staff at Delmar Gardens South for the love, care and affection given to Edward during his residency there, and to Pathways Hospice. In lieu of flowers, please donate to a charity of your choice, or consider committing a random act of kindness in remembrance of this honorable and kind man.
As the older of the nieces and nephews of Uncle Edward I have memories that go way back. Of his humbly told stories of the war and his time in the Pacific and Australia (where I now live). His old leather flying jacket which still hung up in grandma’s attic for years. Of his watch repairs and the magnolia tree in their backyard, and their fluffy dog. And all the family gatherings. Always a kind and easy and generous aperson.
Sorry and wishing all peaceful.
As the older of the nieces and nephews of Uncle Edward I have memories that go way back. Of his humbly told stories of the war and his time in the Pacific and Australia (where I now live). His old leather flying jacket which still hung up in grandma’s attic for years. Of his watch repairs and the magnolia tree in their backyard, and their fluffy dog. And all the family gatherings. Always a kind and easy and generous aperson.
Sorry and wishing all peaceful.
I am going to miss Big Ed. He did not not my name but he sure knew my face. I used to love him sitting at the desk saying “hurry up and wait thats all we do”. Anything you did for him he would always say thank you. Upon his last couple of days I would sit with him and hold his hand he would look up and smile. Big Ed fly high.
I am going to miss Big Ed. He did not not my name but he sure knew my face. I used to love him sitting at the desk saying “hurry up and wait thats all we do”. Anything you did for him he would always say thank you. Upon his last couple of days I would sit with him and hold his hand he would look up and smile. Big Ed fly high.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ed’s family. He was a very sweet man and so glad I had the pleasure of caring for him. He will be missed.
My thoughts and prayers go out to Ed’s family. He was a very sweet man and so glad I had the pleasure of caring for him. He will be missed.
I’m going to miss all the quality and endure that Ed brought to Delmar. Not only was he an extremely nice guy but had a smile that would light up your day… I’m going to miss you Ed, RIH.
I’m going to miss all the quality and endure that Ed brought to Delmar. Not only was he an extremely nice guy but had a smile that would light up your day… I’m going to miss you Ed, RIH.
I remember all the mornings we would look outside to see if it had snowed yet. . You’ll be missed by many !
I remember all the mornings we would look outside to see if it had snowed yet. . You’ll be missed by many !