Richard David Matthews

Richard David “Pastor Matt” Matthews, 81, of Madison, Wisconsin, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2015, at St. Mary’s Care Center in Madison.

He was born May 16, 1933, in Van Wert, the son of Dale and Evelyn (Riley) Matthews, who both preceded him in death.

He served in the United States Air Force as an air traffic controller during the Korean Conflict. He attended Moody Bible Institute and was awarded a doctorate in theology by the Clarksville School of Theology.

Richard was united in marriage to Marie (Manera) Matthews, who survives in Madison. He served as an ordained minister for 54 years, including work as a missionary, family counselor and Christian radio broadcaster and former pastor of Memorial Baptist Church. Richard was an amateur radio operator, hunter and outdoor enthusiast. He was also a commercial pilot and flight instructor.

In addition to his wife, survivors include his children, Evi, David, Tom and John Matthews; eight grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and a sister, Virginia Hammons.

Two brothers, Robert and Eugene Matthews, also preceded him in death.

A memorial service was conducted at 11 a.m. Monday, February 2, at Memorial Baptist Church in Verona, Wisconsin.

Preferred memorials: Mission Outreach Society, to defer final ministry expenses.

The family would like to thank the staffs at St. Mary’s Care Center and the Veterans Administration hospital for their loving care of Pastor Matt.

To view and sign the online guestbook, visit www.ryanfuneralservice.com.