Eugene Matthews

BATESVILLE – Eugene  Matthews of Batesville, Arkansas, formerly of Lubbock, Texas was a husband, father, uncle, grandfather, and great grandfather. Eugene passed on to be with our Lord and Savior on March 11, 2022, at the age of 91.

Eugene was born on February 21, 1931, in Mt. Pleasant, Tex., and married Martha Ellen Edwards on Aug. 26, 1950. They lived in Talco, Texas before relocating to Lubbock where they raised five sons. Eugene began his professional career in the bakery business, working for Baldridge Bread before accepting a job and settling his family in Batesville 1975. He was the general manager of Ideal Baking Company, until retiring from the bakery business after 42 years.

In his later years, he was known as a dedicated fisherman. He lived his retired days fishing his beloved White River. Any sunny day, chances are you could see Eugene on the bank or on the dam, with a minnow bucket by his side and a pole in his hand. He wasn’t much for talking, but his great big smile always reminded everyone he was happy they were there. A little dog didn’t go without a home in his presence, nor did he pass a rubbish pile without trying to make good use of something. The yard was always mowed, and he lived for the days the crappie were biting on the annual fishing trip he took with his sons and grandsons for the last 28 years.

Eugene was stingy yet giving, quiet but profound. He was mysterious and transparent, and if a fish were involved the truth was somewhere in between. The most important thing he will be remembered as is PeePaw. With many grandchildren and great-grandchildren, he created a legacy that will live on and have positive impacts beyond any earthly visions.

At 91 years young he savored his independence, planning every day as he saw fit. Eugene was able to cook, able to travel, and able to fish until his last day.

He is preceded in death by his wife, Martha, and his siblings James Webster, Charles Edgar, Woodrow Wilson, Glynn Thornton, Earnest Kenneth, Betty Jane, Emeline Bell, Bobby Dean, and Harold Leroy.

Eugene is survived by sons Monty Matthews, Steve Matthews and wife Sidney, Tracy Matthews and wife Debbie, all of Lubbock, Greg Matthews and wife Susan, Rusty Matthews, both of Batesville, and adopted daughter Telicia Gentile and husband Kevin of Massachusetts. He is also survived by 6 granddaughters, 7 grandsons, and 20 great-grandchildren.

Services are entrusted to Willis Funeral Service of Batesville, AR. There will be a visitation Monday, March 14, 2022, from 6 pm – 8 pm at the Willis Funeral Service Chapel. There will be a graveside service at Oaklawn Cemetery in Batesville at 2 PM on Tuesday, March 15, 2022. 

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