90, of St. Louis MO passed away on October 9, 2023 at Delmar Gardens South in St. Louis, MO.
Ted was born August 18, 1933 in St. Louis and was one of seven children born to Edward and Agatha Matthews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Edward and Agatha, brother Edward Matthews and sisters Lorraine Swartz, Mary Margaret Mahen and Jean Steffen.
He is survived by three sons, Ted (Valarie) Matthews of Cape Girardeau, MO, Douglas (Alison) Matthews of Imperial, MO and James Matthews of St. Louis, MO. Seven grandchildren, Christina (Blake) Essner of Cape Girardeau, Wesley (Ellen) Matthews of St. Louis, Amanda (Kyle) Schneider of Cape Girardeau, Steven Matthews of High Ridge, Lauren Matthews of Arnold, Zachary (Megan) Matthews of St. Louis, and Benjamin Matthews of Imperial. Three great grandchildren, Parker and Ellie Marie Essner and Hayden Schneider all of Cape Girardeau. Ted is survived by his former wife, Mary Schiller of Panama City Beach, FL and his brother Fred Matthews of St. Louis, MO and sister Shirley Bish of Tucson, AZ.
After graduating from Cleveland High School in St. Louis in 1951, Ted enlisted in the U.S. Coast Guard in 1953 achieving the rank of Culinary Specialist (CS2). He was released to inactive duty in 1957 and transferred to the U.S. Coast Guard Reserve until 1961.
After his honorable discharge from the military, Ted worked at American Can Company in St. Louis until his retirement in 1998.
Ted had several hobbies that he enjoyed but his greatest passion was probably his painting. He had several beautiful pieces of artwork that he displayed in his home and also while living at Delmar Gardens. He also enjoyed gardening, fishing and birdwatching.
Visitation will be at KUTIS AFFTON Chapel 10151 Gravois, Monday October 16 10AM until services at 12 Noon. Interment J.B. National Cemetery.
Praying for the family for comfort- Our condolences ❤️
I’m so sorry for the families loss. I’m sharing in your sadness and praying for you all during this difficult time.
I will remember my great uncle Ted fondly for the rest of my life. As a child at family gatherings I remember his vivid stories, his quick sense of humor and the way he spoke to me directly without any of the usual condescension of the adult world. I am sorry I couldn’t be there today. May his memory be a blessing on all of us.