CHICOPEE – Retired Master Sergeant L. C. Matthews, 95, of the Fairview section of Chicopee, was Called Safely Home on Thursday, January 2, 2020. He passed into Eternal Life at Renaissance Manor on Cabot in Holyoke surrounded by the care and comfort of his loving family. He was born in Meridian, Mississippi on October 24, 1924, a beloved son of the late Dalton Matthews and Millie (Martins) Matthews. In addition to his parents, he is preceded in death by his three dear sisters, Willie Matthews, Bessie Anderson and Lorice Jones; and his two dear brothers, Eddie Matthews and Johnny Matthews. At the age of 18, he was drafted in the United States Army during World War II where he attained the rank of Corporal. He served in North Apennines, PO Valley and received the American Theatre Medal, the European African Middle Eastern Theatre Medal, a Purple Heart Medal and the World War II Victory Medal. Following World War II, he transferred to the United States Air Force and served his country in Korea and Vietnam. His last duty assignment brought him to Westover around 1966 and he retired in 1973 after 30 years of service with the rank of Master Sergeant. Following his military service, he was employed for a short time for the United States Postal Service and later worked for 17 years and retired as Supervisor of Housing at UMass Amherst. He was a member of the Disabled American Veterans in Chicopee. Most of all, he loved his family and his many friends. He leaves his beloved wife and soul mate, Erna A. (Blumel) Matthews. They were married in Munich, Germany on June 6, 1953 and were blessed with over 66 years of happiness together. Besides his wife, he leaves his loving son, Dr. Robert L. Matthews, DMD; his loving niece, L. Dyann Connor and her husband, Henry; his loving nephew, L. Donnie Mitchell; his dear sister, Katherine Irby; his two dear brothers, Ben Matthews and his wife, Terry, and Chester Matthews; and his dear sister-in-law, Ingeborg Mitchell. His relatives and friends are invited to attend Visiting Hours on Saturday, January 18, 2020 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. with a Celebration of Life Service at 2:30 p.m. at the St. Pierre – Phaneuf Fairview Chapels, (413-533-3307), 506 Britton Street, Chicopee, MA 01020. His burial with United States Air Force Military Honors will be held at Arlington National Cemetery. Memorial donations may be made in his memory to the Soldiers’ Home in Holyoke, 110 Cherry Street, Holyoke, MA 01040. For more details, please visit: www.stpierrephaneuf.com
