LTC (Ret) Merald "Matt" Lynn Matthews, 81, of Rogers, passed from this world on November 28, 2018 at his home. He was born August 31, 1937 in Marlow, Oklahoma to William and Maggie (Millican) Matthews. He married Patricia McCarty on August 4, 1962 in Apache, Oklahoma. He received a Bachelor's Degree from Chaminade University of Honolulu and a Master's Degree from Central Michigan University. Matt proudly served his country for thirty years in the United States Army, rising to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. Throughout his career he served as an Armor Officer, Aviation Officer, Operations, Plans and Training Officer, Infantry Officer, Signal Officer and Supply Chain Management Officer. He was a Special Forces Green Beret, a master paratrooper, a rotary wing pilot, a fixed wing pilot, a combat operations specialist and he learned to fluently speak several languages. Matt served two tours in Cá��n Thơ and Vinh Long Vietnam. Matt was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, Bronze Star Medal, Air Medal, Meritorious Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, Army Occupation Medal, and Army Good Conduct Medal. Matt's final tour of duty as Professor of Military Science at the University of Arkansas allowed him to enjoy his retirement home on Beaver Lake while continuing to serve his country. After retiring from the Army, Matt worked locally at Curtis Mathis, Perry Butcher & Associates and for the City of Rogers. Since 2010, Matt volunteered over 8,700 hours at Mercy Hospital in Rogers. He served as their Auxiliary Board President, Vice President, and Committee Chair for Mercy's shuttle service. Matt was a Freemason, a member of the Rotary Club of Rogers and served on the Board of Directors for the Adult Development Center in Rogers. He served as a part-time Law Enforcement Officer with the Benton County Sheriff's Office and the Rogers Police Department. Matt was a longtime member of Southside Church of Christ in Rogers and served as a Deacon and an Elder. He is preceded in death by his parents, sister LaVerne Blue, brothers Wayne Matthews and Winfred Matthews, and twin brother Gerald Matthews. He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Patricia; son Michael Matthews and daughters Michelle (Jay) Johnson, Susanne Matthews, and Deanna (Jay) Bogan; grandchildren Tiffany, Randy, Jessica, Amanda, Maggie, Meagan, Jackson, Brad, Matt, and Harrison and seven great-grandchildren. Visitation will be from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Tuesday, December 4, 2018 at Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home Chapel. Funeral services will be at 2:00 p.m. Wednesday, December 5, 2018 at Southside Church of Christ, 919 S Dixieland in Rogers, with Jackie Chestnut officiating. Graveside services will follow at Benton County Memorial Park in Rogers. Arrangements by Benton County Memorial Park Funeral Home in Rogers. Visitation 6:00 PM Tuesday, December 4th, 2018
Benton County Memorial Park Cemetery
Funeral 2:00 PM Wednesday, December 5th, 2018
Southside Church of Christ