Gale Allen Matthews

Gale Allen Matthews, 89, of Marietta passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2013, at 9:40 am at Emeritus of Marietta.

Gale Allen Matthews was born in Fearing Township, December 23, 1923, the son of the late Otto and Lillie Mendenhall Matthews. He graduated from Marietta High School with the class of 1943 and was inducted into the U.S Army in June, 1943. He received the Combat Infantry Badge, EAME Service Ribbon and Good Conduct Ribbon for serving in the Battles of Northern France and Rhineland. He received the Purple Heart for wounds received in battle near Nuremberg Germany.

Gale retired from Broughtons Dairy in 1986 after 40 years. He was a member of DAV and was a member of Faith United Methodist Church where he served many years as Trustee and Chorister.

On May 13,1944 he married Mary Mendenhall who survives with two sons, Micheal A. Matthews and his wife Sandra of Marietta and David L Matthews and his wife Patricia of Lowell. Also surviving are two granddaughters, Susan Matthews of Marietta and Melissa Matthews Brown and her husband Russell of Graysville and one great-granddaughter Isabella Brown of Graysville.

Three brothers survive, Gerald and his wife Marjorie of Belpre, Glen and his wife Jeanette of Lowell and Gene and his wife Francis of Caldwell and one sister-in-law, Delores Matthews is deceased. Several nieces and nephews, great nieces and nephews and other relatives survive.

           Friends may call at McClure-Schafer-Lankford Funeral Home on Thursday after 2 pm. The family will be present from 2-4 and 7-9. Committal services will be held on Friday (June 28) at 10:30amat East Lawn Memorial Park with Rev. Stacy Evans and Rev. Daryl Fourman officiating.  Messages of sympathy may be sent at www.lankfordfh.com.

The family would like to thank the staff at Emeritus of Marietta and Marietta Home Health and Hospice for their kindness, comfort and care. If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Faith United Methodist Church, 503 Seventh Street, Marietta, Ohio.