Donald Milton Matthews

Donald Milton Matthews, 87, formerly from Morrison and Freeport, IL area, passed away unexpectedly December 15, 2020 at JFK Memorial Hospital in Indio, CA. He was born July 10, 1933 in Oak Park, IL and raised in Morrison, IL. He graduated from Morrison High school in 1951 and enlisted in the U.S. Navy in 1952. He worked as a radioman until his enlistment ended in 1956. He enjoyed playing the trumpet in his High School Band and the Navy Band. He also played with a band at the Morrison VFW after the Navy and entertained friends and family after moving to Freeport, IL in 1966. He played Taps for many military funerals. Don spent the rest of his working career as a Wholesale Beer Distributor. He was co-owner of Mathews Distributing Company in Freeport, IL until his retirement in 1995 at the age of 62. Don loved spending retirement driving his Prevost Bus through Alaska, Canada, the continental United States, and Mexico. He was still driving his bus yearly from California to Illinois at the age of 87. Don was known as a storyteller, loved visiting with his nieces and nephews, and was thrilled to walk one down the aisle when she got married in 2014. Don is survived by his wife, Betty Matthews of Indio, CA; son, Vincent Matthews of San Diego, CA; brother, Gordon (Henrietta) Matthews of Sebastian, CO; and nieces and nephews. Don was preceded in death by his parents. Memorial services were held December 30, 2020 in Cathedral, CA