Joseph W. Matthews

Joe Matthews was a kind-hearted man who would do anything for his family. He had a wonderful sense of humor and enjoyed making the children laugh. He also placed a strong value on commitment. Joe's values and characteristics made him an exceptional husband and father.

Joseph W. Matthews was born to Joseph Sr and Edith (Bozell) Matthews on February 3, 1932 in Lupton, MI. America was experiencing the down fall of the stock market at that time, and most families were suffering from huge financial loss. It was a sad time for many Americans, but a light shown for the Matthews family as they welcomed their son Joseph into their arms. When he was a teenager, Joe and his mother would later move to Grand Rapids, MI.

While still a teenager, Joe would spend time hanging out with his friends downtown. One night, at the Terry House, he met a girl named Barb Korda. At the time, they were both seeing other people. The two did not lose sight of one another and when they were both available they began to date. Within two months Joe had swept Barb off her feet. They were engaged, and six months later they married. The wedding took place at Barb's parent's home on February 25, 1950. Barb was seventeen and Joe was eighteen. The young couple were deeply in love and anxious to begin married life. On November 24, 1950 they were blessed with the birth of their son, Roger. Seven years later they added to their family a precious daughter. Paula was born to them on September 8, 1957.

Joe and Barb wanted their children to be well provided for. They both worked outside of the home and often worked overtime to make extra money. Barb did office work and Joe primarily drove a truck. At one point, Joe owned and operated his own waste hauling business, before holding down a long term position as a driver with Spartan Foods.

Joe's marriage and family was always the most important to him. He and Barb encouraged their children to get involved in music and they both found areas they enjoyed. Roger played the guitar and Paula was a singer. Paula passed down her love of music to her daughter, Amanda, who is also a singer. Joe was a loving parent and knew how to have fun with the family. When the kids became teenagers all their friends wanted to hang out at their house because it was the "cool parents" house. Joe and Barb knew how to make the children feel welcome. Joe often joined in what ever fun the teens were having or even started some fun to get things going. He was known to start a food fight from time to time which the kids would never forget. Annual vacations were a big part of family life. Barb picked their destination and Joe planned the route. They traveled all over Michigan and the Upper Peninsula. They later ventured out to the Midwest and California, which was where Joe's mother lived. They traveled all over the country, however, the family favorites were Disney World, Sea World, Kings Island and the trailer at Radigan Lake.

Once the children were grown, they added to the family grandchildren. Joe and Barb were thrilled to take their grand kids on their vacations. Whether or not Roger or Paula came was not as important once they were grown, as long as their grand kids could come along. There was the traditional Wednesday night dinners which continued even after the kids were married and had children of their own. They also celebrated Christmas Eve together and a bountiful Christmas day dinner. The family looked forward to getting together and they planned to do it often. They were close with Barb's brother Steve. Steve's family joined them for all the holidays and birthday celebrations. When Joe was not planning a vacation he enjoyed his archery club. He preferred the sport of archery rather than to use it for hunting. He also spent some time playing golf and bowling. His favorite pastime was watching television. Joe and Barb both had the same taste in t.v. shows and they would sit down and watch uninterrupted television. It was uninterrupted because they would not take a phone call until the show was over. Their favorites were Friends, Frasier and Seinfeld.

Joe's marriage to Barb was a deep inspiration. They were clearly committed to making their marriage work and their children felt the security of it. Disagreements were known to occur, but they were determined to make things work. The pain of Joe and Barb coming from families with broken marriages instilled in them a burning desire to keep their home unified. They were truly soul mates and their love stood the test of time. After fifty beautiful years together, Joe's wife Barb passed away. It was a very painful time for Joe. He found the strength to persevere, but the effects of his Parkinson's disease eventually slowed him down. Joe passed away on August 25, 2005.

Joe's laughter and love for his family will continue to encourage them even as they mourn his passing. He leaves them with a beautiful example of generosity and joy that they in turn can share with others. Joe will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Mr. Joseph W. Matthews Jr., aged 73, of Grand Rapids, passed away on Thursday, August 25, 2005. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; and brother, Charles. Joe is survived by his children, Roger Matthews and Paula (Jim) DiTrapani; and grand daughters, Sylvia, Chloe, and Amanda. Also surviving are siblings, Kenneth (Marge) Matthews, Audrey (George) Crewell, James (Celia) Matthews, and Jennie Matthews, brother and sister-in-law, Stephen and Irene Korda; special niece and nephews, Susan Korda and Stephen Korda Jr.; and many other nieces, nephews, and cousins. Joe will be remembered for his loving devotion to his family and dedication and commitment to his marriage. The funeral service will be held at 11:30a.m. on Monday, August 29, 2005 at the Heritage Life Story Funeral Home - Alt & Shawmut Hills Chapel, 2120 Lake Michigan Dr. Visitation will be held at the funeral home on Sunday from 2-4 p.m. and 7-9 p.m. Interment in Washington Park Memorial Gardens. Please visit www.lifestorynet.com, where you can share a memory, or make a memorial contribution. Memorials may be made to Parkinson's Association of West Michigan.