********************************************************************** John Thomas Matthews 4 September 2012 ********************************************************************** On Tuesday, September 4, 2012, John Thomas Matthews went peacefully into the arms of the angles after his struggle with cancer. He was at home, with his family, and they were by his side when he passed away. John was born on January 15,1943,in Eagle Lake, Texas to Berttie Stockton and Milton Lee Matthews. He graduated from Eagle Lake High School in 1963 and upon graduation left for Chicago to attend DeVry Technical Institute. Upon completion of his training at Devry, John returned to Texas and began his career in data processing. John was employed for over twenty years with GSI & TI in their data processing department before retiring from the oil and gas business. He then went to work for the Texas State Comptroller's office and has been with them for over twenty years as well. In addition to his regular employment, for over twenty years he owned and operated a successful business of his own, Eagle Cleaning Service. It was while working at GSI in Midland, Texas that John met and married his wife of 43 years, Lee. In addition to his wife, John leaves behind five children, Jodie & Shawn Bonnet; Julie & Kelly Gafford; Sharon & Stan Gambill; Kerrie & Pete Herrera; and John Matt- hews and fiancé, Marissa Higgins. He also leaves behind nine beloved grandchildren, John, Skylar, Kelly Ray, Kenny, Netta, Connor, Dalton, Izabel, & Alisa. Also surviving are two sisters, Joyce Marie Stancik (Melvin) and Ruby Ann Darnell (Charles), all of Eagle Lake, Texas. John is also survived his constant companion, Shiloh, and many nieces and nephews. John is predeceased by his parents; grandparents: Lella Mae McMillan and John Young Matthews of Colorado County, Texas; and Wilhelminie Pagel and Thomas Fletcher Stockton of Lavaca County, Texas. John is also predeceased by his mother-in-law, Mary Myers and Cherokee. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, September 7, 2012 at 6:00 p.m. at Leander First Baptist Church. **********************************************************************