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Gerald Eugene Matthews

Gerald Eugene Matthews of Bluffton, Ohio (Formerly of Belpre), who passed away on May 13, 2019, was born on May 1, 1922 the eldest son of Lillie Mendenhall Matthews and Otto Matthews. He is survived by his son John (Karen) of Marietta, Ohio, daughter Bonnie (Ray) Hammond of Bluffton, Ohio, grandchildren Nick (Marsha) Matthews of Franklin, Tennessee, Doug (Alexis) Hammond of Marietta, Georgia, Julie Hammond of Columbus, Ohio and Anne (Hanna) Khoury of Batavia, Ohio. He is also survived by great-grandchildren Alexander and Katherine Matthews, Liliana and Carter Hammond and his brother Gene Matthews of Belle Valley, Ohio. In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his first wife Delores Rinard Matthews and second wife Marjorie Meeks Matthews, brothers Gale and Glen Matthews and a granddaughter Alaina Matthews.

Gerald was a man with many interests. He was a professional country western singer appearing on the WWVA Wheeling Jamboree and hosting a television show on WTAP television. He loved to sing and taught himself to play many instruments. Gerald loved animals and was always bringing home stray pets. He was very proud of holding the position of special deputy with the Washington County Sheriffs Department for many years. He served in an administrative position with the Ohio Department of Transportation from which he retired.

Private family funeral services will be held at McClure Schafer Lankford Funeral Home. Burial will be in the Valley Cemetery. Memorial contributions can be made to the Faith United Methodist Church, 503 Seventh Street, Marietta, Ohio. Messages of sympathy may be sent to the family at www.Lankfordfh.com.