Robert Lee Matthews

Robert L. Matthews, U.S. Navy Retired, LTJG

Naval Aviator, Loving Family Man, Lifelong Learner and Friend to All



Robert L. Matthews, son of Robert and Edna Pearl Crain Matthews, was born on October 2, 1918 and passed away on June 8, 2011. He is preceded in death by his loving wife Mary, and his brother Richard. He is survived by twin sisters Barbara Muczynski and Roberta Plummer, by daughter Barbara Robinson, son-in-Law Gene Robinson and son, Robert Gerald Matthews. He is Grandpa' to five grandchildren: Don, Mike and Jim Robinson, and to Jennifer and Travis Matthews. He is GG' to seven great grandchildren, and two great-great grandchildren.



Robert lived a full and active life beginning in Mineral, Washington, a town located at the base of Mt. Rainier where his father managed a successful lumber mill. Growing up he camped, fished, worked as a cowboy on a line camp in the summers and enjoyed riding his Indian Scout motorcycle. In 1936 Robert fulfilled a lifelong dream and joined the US Navy. Initially an aircraft mechanic, he quickly fell in love with aviation. His early "backseat missions" included flights over the opening dedication of the Golden Gate Bridge and the Hoover Dam, and the search for lost aviator Amelia Earhart. With the onset of World War II he earned his wings and became a full Naval Aviator, one of the relatively few enlisted men to do so. He was assigned to the Pacific Theater. During the War and throughout his 30 years of active and reserve duty, he flew over 35 different aircraft and had several close calls' including a failed engine over Grand Prairie, Texas in the early 1950's that required an emergency bailout in which he suffered a badly broken ankle.



After retiring from active duty, Robert began a second career as an Air Traffic Controller that brought the family back to Washington and Oregon. After 20 years in the FAA, a second retirement began another phase of life for Robert and Mary, which included building a house and settling on the beautiful Olympic Peninsula in Sequim, Washington. Retiring in Sequim meant having time for salmon fishing, gardening, chopping and stacking cords of wood for added heat in winter, and welcoming kids and grandkids for visits each summer. Retirement also provided time for classes at the Junior College, pursuing new hobbies such as stained glass, travel to see family, and occasional trips with friends to Reno or Palm Springs.



Mary's sudden death in 1984, began another phase in Robert's life which included a move to Auburn, Washington, receiving Confirmation in the Catholic Church, road trips to Shakespeare and Jazz festivals, two trips to Israel, and countless white-water river rafting trips. His favorite rafting river was the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon and he loved more than anything to share these experiences with children, grandchildren and friends. At 78, he took his last oar and paddle trip down the Canyon on a 14-day run with two of his grandkids. After celebrating his 80th birthday with a successful skydive, he returned to the Grand Canyon the next year with his daughter for a final motor trip at age 81. It was on this trip he formed a continuing friendship with John, Josh, Daniel and Sandy of the Miro Quartet.



Robert settled in McKinney, Texas in the mid-nineties to become GG' and an important part of the lives of his growing family, St. Gabriel Catholic Community, and a small close-knit faith community that will miss him dearly. He stayed active with trips to the local shooting range, and greatly increased his reading and study of a broad array of topics. Until just shortly before his passing, he was reading 2-3 books per week, numerous periodicals, and taking video and on-line courses in Math, History, Philosophy, Theology and Astronomy. He always started the day with prayer and Scripture and a review of the latest news and commentary in the Wall Street Journal.



Throughout his life, Robert built great friendships with countless others. Those that were blessed to know him recognize what an incredibly positive influence and inspiration he has been in this world. Robert will be sorely missed by so many for his good nature, good humor, good advice, and his loving and grateful heart.



A Funeral Mass will be celebrated at St. Gabriel Catholic Church, 110 St. Gabriel Way, McKinney 75071 on Thursday, June 16th at 10:00 AM. Interment will be in the Willamette National Cemetery in Portland, Oregon later in July.

In lieu of flowers a donation to St. Gabriel Catholic Church Outreach or the charity of your choice is suggested.