Donald Matthews

Pastor Donald D. Matthews, 91, of Oakland, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at Peace Healthcare Dennett Road. Born on July 9, 1932, in Sand Patch, PA, he was the son of the late John and Susan E. (Sines) Matthews.

Don served the Lord as a Pastor for the Church of the Brethren. He was a member of the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren and a member of the Mt. Top Ministerial Association. He had served, over the years, as a member and volunteer for Habitat for Humanity, Chaplain of Garrett County State Parks and Garrett Regional Medical Center, Moderator of Church of the Brethren District Conference for the Westmarva District, and as a mentor for newly licensed ministers. Most recently, he was the chaplain at Peace Healthcare. Don also took three mission trips to Haiti with Dr. Friend of Grace Mission Baptist. In addition to spending time with family and friends, he enjoyed hunting, traveling, especially cruising to the Caribbean and Alaska, and tending to his plants and flowers. He especially loved gathering with his family for holiday meals and writing his memoirs. Don authored "The Journey of a Country Preacher" of which he was quoted as saying "I just wanted to show what God could do."

He is survived by his children, Susan A. Matthews of Oakland, John D. Matthews and wife Rhonda M. "Shelly" of Oakland, Thomas M. Matthews and wife Jodi L. of Oakland, and Rev. Philip A. Matthews and wife Vicki of Ridgley, WV; his grandchildren, Scott A. Matthews and spouse Jennifer, Amanda R. Shaffer and spouse David, Lacy N. Matthews, Jessamy L. Matthews, Michaela D. Chapman, Megan E. Eckert, and Seth F. Matthews; great grandchildren, Dakota Shaffer, Tyler Shaffer, Liam Shaffer, Lilly Eckert, Hailey Eckert, Paisley Chapman, and Lincoln Matthews; and numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 32 years, Velma E. (Arnold) Matthews, and his siblings, Mildred Peterson, James Matthews, Wilber Matthews, and Ivadine Cummings.

Friends will be received on Sunday, June 30, 2024, from 2 to 6 PM at the Loch Lynn Church of God. A funeral service will be held on Monday, July 1, 2024, at 11 AM in the church with Pastor Lynn Rohrbaugh and Pastor Craig Howard officiating. Private interment will follow in the Oak Grove Church of the Brethren Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Life Mission Feeding Outreach, https://lifetoday.org/ways-to-give/ or PO Box 982000, Fort Worth, TX, 76182-8000.

The C & S Fredlock Funeral Home is very honored to be caring for Don and his family at this time.