Charles C. Matthews

Dear Matthews Family, I first met Mr. Matthews as a seveth grader at Edison Middle School. He was the Boy's Guidance Counselor. I learned a lesson from him that year that I have tried to carry throughout my life. He came to talk to us regarding doing our best on an aptitude test and expanded his message to reminding us that we should never write our name on any work unless it was the very best that we could do. I always looked up to him and considered him a role model. In 1970 when I returned from active Army service I ran into Dr. Matthews again when he graciously hired me for a substitute music position. I returned to #186 in 1972 and taught at Franklin Middle School until 2003 when I retired. In all that time I found him to be a total professional and one very decent and good man. Last Wednesday I gave him my final goodbye as I participated in the rifle salute given by the InterVeterans Burial Detail. Farewell Doctor Matthews, good and faithful servant! My deepest condolences to Mrs. Matthews and his family. Most Sincerely, Bob Best , Chatham

Thinking of you and your family, and keeping you in our prayers! Love you all!

Our BARNHOUSE FAMILY was very blessed to have Charles Matthews in our family. I have had Charles in my family since I was a very small child. I have grown to have the greated respect and appreciation for such a wonderful man. Loving Husband,dedicated Father and Christian Man who lived a great life. He will be dearly missed by everyone that had the honor to meet him. Thank you Rose Marie for sharing a very special man with our family. We have lots of great memories to cherish. We now have another family member waiting in Heaven for that wonderful Family Reunion in the Sky with our Lord and Saviour. God Bless You Rose and Family. Linda (Barnhouse)Benner

I remember riding to and from church, singing, "Put another nickel in, in the nickelodeon..." with Charles driving and Rose in the front seat. Countless times, he carted me to and from Springfield Southern. Countless times, he gave away a great smile and hug that made me feel like I belonged. In the church I grew up in, the church with whom I began to fall in love with my Savior, Charles was my grandpa figure. I loved him dearly. It was my great honor to have him serve communion for my wedding. It was only fitting that such a figure in my life stand and give the bread of life to those with whom Matt and I celebrated our union. I'm grateful he accepted to take part. Charles, I can't wait to feast with you at His table and once again hear your voice sing His praises. You are missed.

Our heartfelt sympathy to you and your family.lwxyj

So sorry to hear this news. I was fortunate to speak with him several times when my mother passed. (Hildreth Crawford Matthews Yanez) He shared lots of family history and pictures that I would have never know about.

Dear Matthews Family, I first met your father in 1977 when I was two years old when he passed by the nursery at Springfield Southern Baptist Church. He has taught me in many stages of Sunday School, VBS, and other church functions over the years until I moved away to go to college in 1993. He was a great influence in my life and a always a wonderful Christian example and had a great impact on my life. He will be greatly missed! My prayers are with all of you. Love in Christ, Stephanie Wolfley

Dear Matthews Family, I first met your father in 1977 when I was two years old when he passed by the nursery at Springfield Southern Baptist Church. He has taught me in many stages of Sunday School, VBS, and other church functions over the years until I moved away to go to college in 1993. He was a great influence in my life and a always a wonderful Christian example and had a great impact on my life. he will be greatly missed! My prayers are with all of you. Love in Christ, Stephanie Wolfley

I saw Charlie and his wife at Cracker Barrel a few weeks ago having breakfast. I didn't want to disturb them so did not go over and talk to him. Oh how I regret that now. Never miss an opportunity as it may be the last one. I will always remember what a true geltleman he was. I am a better person for having known him. My prayers are with his famiy. He will certainly be missed.

All thought I never had much contact with Mr. Matthews: I will always remember Mr. Matthews as the man that handed me my high school dipolma n told me, with a smile and confidence "Congratulations and Good job." This simple phrase stuck in my head and inspired me to be a better person and made me feel i could accomplish anything. It was an honor to have him present me with such a special document in my life. Only a selected few were chosen from our class to recieve this honor and I am honored to be in that special group. Thank you Kelly for sharing him with us on that day. In return today I share my love, arms, heart and prays with you and your family. Love Paula Clark

Mrs. Matthews, Doc Matthews had a profound impact on my professional career and I learned so much from him. I recall many instances sitting at his elbow learning the business of human resources and more importantly, learning the art of getting people to work together to achieve positive outcomes. Countless times over the years, I've used one of his favorite phrases: "Let's generate light, not heat." He was more than a mentor per se. He was also a friend who would inquire of your welfare, listen intently to your concerns, and offer sage advice. We (Janet and I) will miss him, as we know you will as well. Hold fast, though, to all the memories of your times together and Doc Matthews will always be with you. Love and Prayers, Allan and Janet Woodson

Dear Rose and family: We were so sorry to hear of Charles passing. You are in our thoughts and prayers. You were wonderful neighbors. Betty Griffin, Nancy and Sally

Our sympathy is extended to the entire Matthews family. Words are inadequate to express the impact that Charlie had on the citizens of Springfield. His life was a positive example and had an impact on thousands of students and fellow educators in his many years of service to School District 186. His "words of wisdom" ring true many years after we have heard them. Everyone that was fortunate to meet Charlie were better off because of the meeting. The family is in our thoughts and prayers. George and Mary Jo Haven

It was a honor to have worked with Charlie for much of my career in Springfiel Public Schools.he was not only a dedicated educator but a person whose word was golden. He knew everyone in the district. I worked with him on many SEA issues. He cared about all district employees and was always fair. The last time we spoke we joked about sitting together in back of the courtroom in 1976 and working out grievances. I told him then that what District 186 lacked today was a "Charlie Matthews.". He was a fine man and our community was a much better place because of him. I know he was also a devoted family man and his family is in my thoughts and prayers. Thanks for sharing such a good man with the rest of us.

For many years Charlie and I worked together at 1900. What a joy. May God bring comfort and peace to the family as you remember and celebrate the life of Charlie.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family of this wonderful Servant of God. Thank You for your support and Friendship though out the years.This world is a much better place because you were here.

Our family is lifting your family in prayer. Charles was a fellow tenor in the Springfield Southern choir. His sense of humor was refreshing and it was obvious that he cared about what was happening in your life. I admired his faithfulness and love for his Lord, family and church. We wish we could be there to honor Charles and express our sympathy to you personally. We will miss Charles very much.

My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time.

I do not believe we are related. My late husband, Robert Charles Matthews, was from Iowa. Nevertheless, I am thinking of you at this time.

With sincere and heartfelt sympathjy in your time of sorrow. May the love of family and friends bring you peace and comfort. Love, Bob & Sharon

Sending my love and prayers for you - know he will be greatly missed by all the family.