Jerry Vestal Matthews' Obituary
Jerry Vestal Matthews went home to be with the Lord, Tuesday, February 13th, 2007, after a courageous battle with illness. Jerry was born January 25th, 1939, in Odessa, Texas, to Elbert Fuller Matthews and Muralene Vestal Matthews. He graduated from Overton High School in 1958. He enlisted in the U.S. Army and served from 1958-1961. He married his high school sweetheart Darlene Melton November 16, 1963. He graduated Stephen F. Austin University in 1972, while teaching in the communications Department. He attended Perkins Theological Seminary at SMU. He was a lifetime member of the Overton Ex Students Association.
Jerry Matthews was called into the ministry Sept 16, 1969, at the First Baptist Church, Longview. He was the pastor of McCary?s Chapel Methodist Church in Liberty City. As pastor of the First Methodist Church in Cushing and Lilbert, he would begin each Sunday by ringing the church bells early, and jumping into his little red Volkswagon to drive to Lilbert for services. Immediately following he would return home to pick up his wife, baby boy and five year old daughter for Sunday services at the First Methodist Church, Cushing. After a quick lunch he would go to the nursing home for an afternoon service, followed by evening services back in Cushing. Rev. Matthews also served as the associate pastor at First Methodist Church and pastor of Christ Church in Longview. In 1979 he founded, with his wife Darlene, , the original Church on the Rock, a non-denominational ministry located in Longview which flourished for many years. From 1991 to 2000 he worked for Gregg County as the Court Coordinator of the 307th District Court, Juvenile Probation Officer, and Domestic Relations Officer until taking early retirement due to illness.
Rev. Jerry Matthews was well-known around Longview for his infectious smile and his friendly greetings. During his ministry he married and buried countless people, as well as visited hundreds who were ill and hospitalized, always with his warm humor and caring manner. He was an avid health enthusiast and enjoyed riding his bicycle, often over long distances earlier in his life. Although he had many jobs, he was first and foremost a preacher of the gospel. Always with a word of inspiration, a compliment, or a hug, Jerry reached out to everyone who crossed his path. A loving husband, devoted father and grandfather, and special friend to us all, Jerry will be greatly missed. He was beloved by all who knew him.
He was preceded in death by his father, E.F. Matthews. He is survived by his wife, Darlene Matthews of Longview; daughter Monique Matthews of Austin; son Dominic Matthews of Longview; grandson Logan Matthews of Longview; his mother Muralene Webb of Marshall; his brother and sister-in-law Charles and Paula Matthews of Marble Falls, his half sister and her husband Joy and Gareth Pollard of Odessa; his mother-in-law Peggy Melton of Overton; his sister-in-law and her husband Brenda and Blu Hubbard of Dickinson; as well as many nieces and nephews.
The family of Jerry Matthews wishes to thank the staff at Whispering Pines for their compassionate care and loving concern during this difficult time. You will never know how much we appreciated your kindness and professional treatment.
Pallbearers are Donn Bindler, Bob Carmack Blufford Hubbard, Jason King, Charles Matthews, Steve Morrow, Ronnie Weaver and Wailen York.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial donations be made to Darlene Matthews Ministries, PO Box 9880, Longview, TX 75608.
Funeral services will be held at 2 PM, Friday, February 16th at Rader Funeral Home under the direction of Rev. Mike Buie of Cathedral of Praise, Sandsprings, OK. Interment will be at Rosewood Park in Longview. Family visitation is scheduled for Thursday evening 6-7:30 PM at the residence.
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