Raymond D. Matthews

As family and friends can surely attest, Raymond Matthews truly understood the secret to a life well lived. He was a constant source of strength, even in the most difficult of times, and he was always willing to go above and beyond to serve others. Nothing brought Raymond greater joy than surrounding himself with his loved ones. He was a shining example of courage and selflessness, and his giving heart allowed him to touch countless lives. Deeply loved, Raymond will be forever held close by those who knew him best.

The 1930s are remembered as some of the darkest years for the United States. The Great Depression was in full swing, and families all across the country had to pull together and work hard to make ends meet. It was during this tumultuous time that Donald Carlton and Edith Marjorie (Croutch) Matthews of Fountain, Michigan, were eagerly anticipating the arrival of their baby. On December 29, 1932, their wait was over, and they welcomed their son, Raymond Donald, into the world.

Throughout his childhood, Raymond was a typical young man of his generation in many ways. He was raised in the family home in Fountain alongside his five siblings, Fred, Maxine, Erma, Arlene, and Pearl. The Matthews children were not just siblings but friends, and they grew to be very close. Raymond’s father, Donald, supported the family by working as a farmer while his mother, Edith, dedicated herself to caring for her home and raising her children. Growing up, Raymond enjoyed riding bikes, swimming, and fishing. He loved to tinker around and fix things from a young age, gaining skills he would carry with him for his entire life.

Exciting changes were in store for Raymond as he met the young woman who would soon become the love of his life. Her name was Lillian Cynthia Garcia, and the two first met while picking strawberries in Fountain. Raymond and Lilly shared an immediate connection. Over time, their relationship blossomed into something truly special. With a desire to spend the rest of their lives together, Raymond and Lilly were married on January 31, 1953, at the Methodist Church in Scottville, Michigan. The newlyweds then settled down into a home on First Street in Manistee, Michigan, ready to begin their future as husband and wife.

Of all the things Raymond loved in life, he treasured his family above all else. He and Lilly were overjoyed to welcome their beloved children, Robin, Delight, Marshall, and Kim, into their hearts and home. Though two of their children, Timothy and Robert, passed away at birth, they were forever a part of the family as well. Raymond thrived as a father, and he was a strong role model of kindness and charity for his children. Later in life, he was thrilled to become a grandfather, a great-grandfather, and even a great-great-grandfather. Raymond adored his grandchildren and loved spending time with them as often as he could. They would often go to grab coffee or a meal together. Holidays were always spent with family, and Raymond would frequently travel to visit his siblings and their families. He always considered himself blessed to watch his family tree grow to include so many loved ones.

Raymond was not afraid to work hard, especially when it came to providing for himself and those who depended on him. He felt the pull to serve his country and bravely spent two years in the United States Coast Guard, followed by two years in the United States Army. Raymond was discharged in 1961, finishing his service in the military. He built a successful career for himself as an operator and tester at Martin Marietta.

Never one to sit still for long, Raymond pursued many hobbies to stay busy in his free time. He enjoyed country music, and his favorite artists included Charlie Pride, Hank Williams Sr., and George Strait. Raymond was a reader of Bill O’ Reilly books and Louis L’Amour Westerns. He liked to eat pot roast, fried chicken, and dumplings. Raymond enjoyed going to the Shipshewana Flea Market. They would travel out west to visit family. He loved working on his cars and trucks, and he could often be found tinkering and fixing anything that might be broken. Raymond was a very generous man, and over the years, he donated to many charities, including Saint Jude, Salvation Army, and Veterans’ Organization. In recent years, he found joy in sitting on his swing and watching the traffic go by.

When reflecting on the life of Raymond Matthews, it is easy to see both his unwavering strength and his unconditional love for his family. He was known for his solid work ethic, and he faced challenges head-on with a spirit of fierce determination. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great grandfather, Raymond was a friend to many and beloved by all he met. His primary focus in life was building deep and personal relationships with those around him. Though he will be dearly missed, Raymond leaves behind a priceless legacy that his loved ones will be proud to carry on in his footsteps.

Mr. Raymond Donald Matthews age 91, of Freesoil, passed away on August 19, 2024. He was preceded in death by his wife, Lilly, children, Timothy (birth), Robert (birth), Robin, Marshall and Kim; parents, Donald and Edith Matthews; brother, Fred and sisters, Erma and Arlene. Raymond was born December 29, 1932 to Donald Carlton Matthews and Edith Marjorie (Crouch) Matthews. He married Lillian Cynthia Garcia on January 31, 1953 at the Methodist church in Scottville, MI. He is survived by his daughter, Delight (Jack); 8 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; and 1 great-great-grandchild; two sisters, Maxine Frymire and Pearl Fredricks; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Cremation has taken place and his family will hold a future Memorial Service.