Paul David Matthews was born in Evansville, Indiana on August 9, 1948 to Gerald and Rosemary Matthews. He died peacefully on February 1, 2024, at his home in Fenton, Missouri, surrounded by his family.
David grew up in Elberfeld, Indiana, graduated from Tecumseh High School, and attended Sam’s Technical Institute in 1968. He married the love of his life, Brenda Fay Cullen, on August 23, 1969. David began working at Western Electric and later transferred to Southwestern Bell, where he retired in June 2001.
In 1974, he turned his life over to the Lord and became a devoted follower of Christ. His mission was to love and serve like Jesus. He was active in the mens’ ministry, Bible studies, and served as an usher at Southgate Church. Known for being the church’s “greeter”, he was also involved in prison ministry through the years. One of his favorite ways to serve was through leading the “Iron Men” team during the church’s summer camps, KOV (Kids of Victory) and TOV (Teens of Victory) each year. David’s passion for Christian teaching was shown through his energetic and enthusiastic service.
David loved St. Louis Cardinals baseball, Blues hockey, NASCAR, and Indiana University basketball. A true sports fan, he enjoyed attending many games and races with his family. One of David’s greatest joys was being “Pops” to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren. His favorite pastime was being with the kids, no matter what they were doing. He had just as much fun in the backyard pool as he did at the beach. He enjoyed spending time at his family’s lake house, Treetop #14, nestled in Lake of the Ozarks. “Pops” was well known for his tinkering around the house, tightening screws, and using his leaf blower to clear off the roof and deck.
David never met a stranger and always had a smile on his face. He had a sincere interest in knowing about others. He asked about their families, their interests, and treated them like they were a part of his own family. He touched many people throughout his life; more than he realized. He was a true servant of the Lord. Others came to give their life to God because of David.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 54 years, Brenda (nee Cullen) Matthews, his two children, Tracie (John) Ferrier and Brian (Charlotte) Matthews, grandchildren Garrett (Kristy) Ferrier, Kaylee (Jessie) Hubbs, Madison and Sam Ferrier, Jackson and Kate Matthews; great-grandchildren Murphy Ferrier and Royce Hubbs; brothers Steven (Barbara), Gerald Dee and Rollie (Tracee) Matthews, and many dear nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents Gerald and Rosemary Matthews and his niece Sarah Matthews.
Visitation will be held at Southgate Church, 9820 East Watson Road, Crestwood, Missouri on Saturday, February 10, 2024 at 9:00 a.m. A Celebration of Life will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the following:
Kids of Victory
Wendpouire Project
Dave Matthew’s was a godly & awesome person to all, when I was living in my dads house at that time, which I still miss. He was a joy to have around to talk too or say hi too. Dave will be missed by all, but who all knew him will have great memories of a man created by God.
I loved Dave as a brother in Jesus. He was a doer of the Word of God! Always the first one to help with whatever needed to be done.
David married Brenda and I married Pam, the loves of our lives, on the same day in August 1969. David and I worked together at Western Electric for many years and occassionally met for lunch after retirement. Any time I was with Dave I could sense the peace and presence of our Lord and Savior in his smile, his attitude and his behavior. I will always remember Dave as a devoted and loving husband, father, grandfather and commander in our Lord’s army. I am so very sorry for your loss.
Brenda and family,
We are grieving with you over the passing of our long-time friend, Dave. He truly was a man who surrendered all to Jesus. I thank God for your family and the friendship we shared with you all.. It was wonderful. Dave was truly a wonderful, kind and loving husband, dad and friend. We shared so many great times together. Know that we love you and will praying for you all as you go forward at this time. We love you so much. God bless you all.
I worked with David at Southwestern Bell Telephone both of us 5ESS switch
engineers. I remember the retirement party he had. Great Guy!
Will be missed.
Dave was an iron man for KOV and for me. When I was around Dave he gave me hope. There has never been a finer man.
Brenda & family,
We are so sorry for your loss!
David was such a wonderful, faithful, caring man .
What a wonderful celebration, he must be having with Jesus!
We are going to be sending a donation to one of your recommended favorite organization that was dear to David’s heart!
Brenda,
Hilda and I are so sorry for the passing of Dave. So many wonderful memories he had left behind. Remember our car pooling together from Fenton to Western Electric in Town & Country, our prayer meetings at the Western Electric conference room, all float trips to the Current River with the prayer group. Our all night prayer vigil at Abundant Life Church and so much more. What a wonderful friend and brother in the Lord he was. Dave was truly a wonderful, kind and loving husband, dad and friend. Know that we love you and will praying for you all as you go forward at this time. We love you so much. God bless you all.
Luis,
Thank you for helping me remember Dave from our Prayer Group at WECO.
Ed Kotowski
I’m sorry we couldn’t be with you to comfort you in your grief and to celebrate his life, but we find ourselves on the road trying to do some “paving.” But I wanted to share my thoughts when I heard about Dave’s departure:
This is just a little thing, but meant so much.
Ins 1988 I was lost and trying to find my way. I had visited the church of my youth, a Jehovah Witnesses Hall, and a little church I had never heard of or seen anything like called Victory.
I had never felt as welcome anywhere by anyone as much as I did by Dave Matthews at the doors of that little church. The church didn’t look like a church; it looked like a school. And Dave didn’t look like a minister. He looked like a regular guy. He would greet me with a warm handshake, and a great smile, and while he would rarely remember my name—often confusing me with my older brother, who was a regular attender at the time, a way with names I readily picked up— I could tell he
was sincerely glad to see me. The clock was never my friend, but Dave never made me feel bad, no matter what time I would arrive at the church.
To many, even as recently as two weeks ago, I have told the story of Dave Matthews and his warm greeting and genuine joy at my appearance. I’ve always wanted to replicate that in other congregations, but couldn’t. God only made one Dave Matthews. I got to experience him. I think he was excited for an opportunity to be a part—even if appearing to be small to the untrained— of bringing people into the family of Christ, paving the road to the gospel, so to speak. I imagine God had done something in Dave so wonderful that he didn’t want any obstacles in anyone’s way to trusting in the Savior. God loved him. He loved me. To me, he was like the dad in the parable commonly referred to as the Prodigal Son, welcoming me home after a long absence.
It’s good to be home.
Thank you Dave. You will always have a place in my heart as a mentor, father of the faith, and a model to replicate. To the rest of you, I am truly sorry for your loss, but I’ve been so blessed by his life I can’t help to thank God for rescuing Dave and welcoming him into His kingdom and letting him be the gift that he was to us. Lord Jesus, may you be ever so pleased now to welcome him home.
Brenda,
My first years in St. Louis were a difficult and lonely time for me. Dave’s friendship and your generous hospitality helped me a lot, and I thank you. Dave’s love was always genuine. He had a heart for those who are struggling.