Thomas James Matthews Jr. passed away on Jan. 29 at the age of 74. He is in the arms of our Lord and out of pain. Tom lived his life to the fullest, working in his yard, taking care of his cats and dog, and his family. Tom was a self-taught drummer. He and some friends from high school and church created a band. They played for local businesses and at church, even winning a state competition. He also boxed and trained while in Fallon. Tom loved to play softball and played on teams in Fallon, Reno, Yuma, Arizona, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Tom served in the Navy during the Vietnam War, where he met his brother/best friend, Tom Phales, with whom he stayed in contact through the years. While stationed at the Fallon Naval Air Station, he met Carrie Matteucci, and they married, having two children, Shelly and Ricky. He worked as a fireman at the base and obtained a degree in Fire Safety and Management.
Tom married his second wife, Joni, in 1982, and they lived in Reno, Nevada, for a time before moving to Yuma, Ariz., where they opened a telecommunications business and lived for a few years. Tom and Joni moved to the U.S. Virgin Islands, where the telecommunications company was booming. The company serviced hotel and resort telephone systems in the islands and Puerto Rico. Tom loved the U.S. Virgin Islands, the sun, the beaches, the people, and the ocean.
Tom had several cockatiels and parrots while in the U.S. Virgin Islands. After living through and rehabbing the house from the destruction of several hurricanes and almost dying after getting lost at sea with his brother-in-law Bob, Tom and Joni moved back to Ohio. They adopted their son, Paul, and built their home in Newcomerstown after returning to Ohio, where they lived until he could no longer live independently.
Tom loved his yard, watching the animals that visited and lived there. Tom fed the birds, the raccoons, and the opossums that visited. Tom enjoyed playing sweepstakes and sending money to causes like Service Dogs of America, Veterans’ fundraisers, and others he felt he could help. Tom really enjoyed his visits with the ladies at the post office in Dover, Ohio, for his daily mailing of the sweepstakes envelopes.
Tom loved his family and did what he could to help them, no matter what the cost. As the only brother in the family, he felt it was his duty to do so. Tom worked for several car dealerships while living in Ohio and was a great salesman; it was often said he could sell ice to Eskimos.
Tom always loved animals and cared for them. His cats, Max, Kitty Kitty, and Big Boy, were his most recent cats, living in the lap of luxury, and he worried when they weren’t home for dinner or breakfast. His dog, Rudy, was his companion until he went into care; they did everything together.
Tom was a good Christian but had lost his faith for a bit after his Joni became ill. He found his faith again toward the end and came to know Jesus again. He was a respected member of his church in Newcomerstown and served the Lord there. Tom is survived by his wife, Joni; daughter, Shelly (Monte) Grenamyer; and sons, Ricky (Brandi) Matthews and Paul (Kaleigh) Matthews; his grandchildren Dameion, Shasta, and Kylie Matthews; his sisters Nancy (Bob) Hesson, Kim (Bill) Heade, Missy (Jim) Gross, as well as several nieces, nephews and great nieces and nephews.
Comment
Comments