Russell Bennett Matthews

Russell Bennett Matthews, age 79 of Wharton, Texas died Friday evening, June 28, 2013. Family members were gathered around him as he left this earth to be with his loving wife Jim Ida. He was born on January 26, 1934 in White Oak, North Carolina. Russell was the only son of Raymond and Martha Evelyn Edge Matthews. He was raised in Fayetteville, North Carolina and attended school there. He served his country honorably in Korea and Vietnam, rising to the rank of Staff Sergeant. Russell was commended for being an expert Sharpshooter. He married Jim Ida Jones on May 9, 1969 in Amberg, Germany. She preceded him in death on August 27, 2007. Russell settled into civilian life by working at NASA and Dresser Industries for many years before working for and retiring from SpaceLabs. His biggest passions were fishing and hunting. Russell was a member of The American Legion Post 87 in Wharton for many years. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints in Wharton where he served as the High Priest Leader. In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was preceded in death by his daughters, Cheryl Lowrey and Shelby Lynn DuPont and son, Russell B Harvey. Following Cremation, memorial services will be held for family and close friends. Russell and his wife will be laid to rest at Houston Memorial Cemetery where The Honor Guard will honor him with a 21 gun salute and taps. Survivors include his daughter, Susan Elliott and husband, David of Houston, and son, James Kevin Harvey and wife Adrian of Hawaii, wonderful cousins, Bunny Knowles and husband, Jack of North Carolina, Ron Duke and wife, Joyce of Virginia and Dennis Edge and wife ,Lois of New York, along with seven grandchildren, Summer, Scarlett, Stormy, Kimberly, Brandy, Kyle, Noah, two great grandchildren, Jackson and Makayla. Russell’s friends Mac and Stella Malone and Kim Moeller were devoted to him to the end. Lastly but not least, Russell leaves behind 5 wonderful dogs and many cats that still wait for him to come home. The family would like to thank the members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints of Wharton for the wonderful support and help given during Russell’s last year of life. We also want to give a special thank you to the Joan, Debra, Martha, Barbara and Angela of The ElderCare Network LLC who helped us remain a constant vigil to the very end.