John Matthews

(From Mason-Woodard Mortuary)

John Matthews, age 85, Webb City, Missouri passed away Sunday December 31, 2023.

He was born June 8, 1938 in Webb City, Missouri to Norval and Marie (Etter) Matthews.

John graduated with the Webb City High School Class of 1956. He started working at young age at his parents' business, Matthews Coffee Company. He put himself through the University of Missouri graduating in 1960 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. 

During his college years he joined the Missouri National Guard in Webb City, Missouri and was a member for eight years working as a gunner, commander and obtaining the rank of Sargent. He was also a member of the Webb City/Carl Junction Rotary having served as president.
After graduating from college he returned home to run the family business Matthews Coffee Company. He served as president of the company from 1960 until it was sold in 1967 to Cain’s Coffee.

In January of 1964 he met the love of his life, Joyce Harris and they were married June 20, 1964 at Diamond Christian Church.

John took a job as a pharmaceutical sales representative with Schering Plough in 1967. He remained with them for 35 years, retiring in 2002.

In 1969 John and Joyce welcomed their first child, Rebecca (Matthews) Fisher. In 1973, they welcomed their second child, Mark Matthews. Nothing made him happier than spending time with his family. He was proud and supportive of those he loved.

John and Joyce traveled extensively throughout their marriage. Together they visited all 50 states, took numerous cruises, including two repositioning cruises across the Atlantic Ocean, as well as visiting numerous countries. Some of his favorites included Switzerland, Scotland and the British Virgin Islands. He had a passion for planning trips and was amazing at remembering all the details of his adventures. He could always give advice on the best restaurants, the best route to take and the best places to see.

He had a fantastic sense of humor and loved to tease his family.

John is survived by his wife Joyce, children, Rebecca Fisher and husband Mark, Carl Junction, Missouri, Mark Matthews and wife Sue, Webb City, Missouri; granddaughter, Kira Fisher, Madison, Wisconsin, grandsons, Max Fisher, Carl Junction, Missouri, Ian Matthews, Webb City, Missouri, Collin Matthews, Webb City, Missouri, as well a several extended family and friends.

Funeral services will be at 2:00 pm Thursday January 4, 2024 at Mason-Woodard Mortuary with Richard Spencer officiating. Burial will follow at Mt. Hope Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1:00 pm prior to the service.