Matthews, Fred Bernard Sr. (94)
May 20, 1930 – April 16, 2025, St Louis, MO
Fred was one of seven children born to Edward Alois and Agatha Barbara (nee Mulach) Matthews. He is survived by his wife Beverly Matthews (nee Turner-Pauley) and sister Shirley Bish (John). His siblings, Edward, Theodore, Mary Margaret (Mahen), Jean (Steffen), and Lorraine (Swartz) predeceased him.
Fred married his high school sweetheart Shirley Matthews (Selig),(d. 2003) in 1953 and promptly went to serve during the Korean War in the 181st CIC First Marine Division. Upon returning from Korea, he studied chemical engineering at Washington University and began raising their family. Fred and Shirley had four children, Fred Jr, (d. 2017), (Anne), Steven Matthews (Rory), Susan Paynter (Robert Paynter) d. 2014) and Paul Matthews (Susan). His long career with Monsanto included an eleven-year relocation to Long Island NY, which served as a perfect backdrop to foster many wonderful family experiences.
Upon returning to St. Louis, Fred maintained steadfast love and support for Shirley as she endured Alzheimers. In the following years, Fred continued to live and love life with the biggest heart imaginable. He found love a second time and married Beverly Matthews (Turner-Pauley) and was blessed with and survived by five step-children Karen Pauley-Ranallo (Dominic), Richard Pauley (Stacy), Kevin Pauley (Cori), Billy Pauley, and Rebekkah Pauley.
Fred and Shirley were blessed with eight beautiful grandchildren and five great-grandchildren; and Fred and Beverly enjoyed an additional sixteen grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. All loved and honored him and were blessed to have him as a grandfather. As well, his greatest joys in life most certainly occurred while being surrounded with family. He was a blessing to many and a most positive and caring individual.
Fred was loved by and loved his large extended family, and he greatly valued his friends. As a generous and righteous man, he was deeply respected, loved, and honored by everyone who knew him. His faith in God and belief in God’s goodness allowed Fred to be one of the most caring and generous men of this world. He influenced many and his kindness touched hearts of unknown numbers. Fred had many names; Fred, Dad, Fredad, Grandpa, FunPa Grandpa, Papa Fred, Great-grandpa, Bev’s favorite nickname for him was “BigDog”.
Many thanks for the care and support from Pathways Hospice & Palliative Care.
Fred will receive military honors at Jefferson Barracks. All who want to attend can meet at Kutis Funeral Home on Lemay Ferry in their parking lot promptly at 9am leaving at 9:10am for a procession led by the Patriot Guard to Jefferson Barracks Cemetery for Military Honors on Mon. May 5th.
In Lieu of flowers, charitable contributions may be made to the charity of your choice.
R. I. P.
“Big Dog”
Thank you for your service 🇺🇸
Fred Matthews was one of the kindest, most joyful people I have ever met. His love of life and his love of family was obvious to even a casual observer. He and his wife, Shirley, opened their home to me on many occasions so that I could meet and spend time with my sister, Rory, during Steve and Rory’s visits to Grandpa and Grandma in St. Louis. The world is a less bright place with Fred’s passing. I consider myself so fortunate for having known him and spent time in his company. My sincere condolences to Steve, Susan, Paul and Beverly for your very great loss.
Thank you Uncle Freddy for the care and mentoring me those many years ago in guiding me on my young life’s journey. The Matthews family was my childhood and I’m forever grateful.
RIP
One of kindest men. So caring. For many years in choir he was like my big brother.
Even though we hadn’t seen each other in quite a while he has always been in my heart.
He loved you also Ruth Ann.
Such a beautiful obituary. I never had the honor of meeting Fred but was fortunate enough to meet his son Paul on one occasion. I’m truly blessed to call Steve and Rory my dear friends. A beautiful family, indeed. It’s so difficult to lose a parent. My condolences to the entire family on your loss. Steve, Rory, Steven, Kelly, and Alie….I’m sending love across the miles to you all. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this difficult time and always. Laurie
Fred was such a kind, caring and smart man that touched the lives of many. He will be missed. Sorry for your loss.
Times with Mom’s younger brother Fred seemed destined to squeeze the most magic possible from each opportunity. Family campouts on the Black River, creating improv comedy + skits after family dinners, fishing for trout in the muddy puddle in the rain in front of our cabin at Montauk, sharing Scout skills, treading clams in the Great South Bay, renowned instigator of sand sculptures and shenanigans on Robert Moses Beach, late night crabbing runs (I was thoroughly trained that it takes a crew of six: boat pilot, 2 spotlight holders, 2 netters, 1 tongs-man managing both the 20 gallon rubber-made can plus the cooler to sustain crew nourishment), hunting antique glass bottles in an abandoned haunt of dubious public domain, sausage-making with Dad, pitching an impromptu tarp in the middle of a storm at the wedding reception, mentoring my interests in engineering and guitar …
I’ll continue to try my best to emulate the example he set for me.
Such a beautiful condolence. Fred was such a kind and caring man. So very sorry for your loss.