Austin Matthews Jr., age 69 of Rockport, Indiana, formerly of Jasper, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday (June 21, 2016) at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville, IN.
Austin was born in Jasper, Indiana on April 18, 1947 to Austin Sr. and Barbara (Haas) Matthews. He married Alfrieda Elmer on July 1, 1972 in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper.
He was an Army Veteran who served during the Vietnam war and was also stationed in Germany.
Austin retired from the Laborers Union #561 in Evansville, IN, and also served as a past manager for the St. Meinrad American Legion, the St. Meinrad Knights of Columbus, the Santa Claus American Legion, the Twinkle Inn in Jasper, and also owned the Double A restaurant in Mariah Hill. He also worked in several furniture factories.
He was a member of the Tell City Knights of Columbus, the Spencer County Memorial Forest Association, and the Jasper American Legion Post #147.
He enjoyed fishing, meat processing, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren.
Surviving,
Wife;
Alfreida Matthews, Rockport, IN
One Daughter;
JoEllen Wassmer and husband Jeff, Evansville, IN
Two Grandchildren;
Kelsey and James Wassmer
Two Sisters;
Diane Mc Allister, Louisville, KY
Patty Cacioppo and husband Richard, Ohama, NE
Five Brothers;
Robert Matthews and wife Barbara, Ferdinand, IN
Richard Matthews, Florida
Kenneth Matthews and wife Mary, Greenwood, IN
Paul Matthews, Florida
Mark Matthews, Jasper, IN
Nieces and Nephews
Preceding him in death were two sisters; Mary Holst and Brenda Wolf and one brother; John Matthews.
Funeral services for Austin Matthews will be held at 9:30 a.m. on Saturday, (June 25, 2016), in St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. The American Legion Post #147 will conduct military gravesite rites.
Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday (June 24, 2016) at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper, IN.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the wishes of the family.
Online Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com
