Gene Matthews

Donald Eugene Gene Matthews of Farmington passed away on Saturday, March 21, 2009, at Parkland Health Center, at the age of 73 years. He was born on July 17, 1935, in Madison County, son of Jessie (Lawrence) and the late Newman Matthews. Gene proudly served his country in the U.S. Marines. Mr. Matthews was a highly skilled carpenter and worked in the area for many years. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him, and that includes his wife, Joann (Thompson) Matthews, his mother Jessie Matthews, five children and their families: son, Tom McDermott and wife Denise and grandsons, Matt and Adam, daughter, Kathy Donze and husband Tom and granddaughters, Karri & Katie and great-granddaughter, Tori Burch, son, Steven Matthews, daughter, Vicki Pinkston and husband Dwaine and grandchildren, Megan, Kortney, Alex and Shane, and son, Chris Matthews and granddaughter, Paige; a brother, Richard Matthews; a niece, Sarah Matthews and a nephew, Zeke Matthews and wife Amanda. Many other relatives and cherished friends also survive. The family will receive friends at Cozean Memorial Chapel from 5 to 9 p.m. on Tuesday, March 24, 2009. Visitation will resume at 7 a.m. on Wednesday with a funeral service at 11 a.m. with Deacon Mike Burch officiating. Burial will be at Hillview Memorial Gardens. Memorials may be made to St. Francois County Relay for Life. Video tribute, obituary and online condolences at: www.cozeanfuneralhome.com.