W. Paul Matthews

W. Paul Matthews, 85, of Bel Air, MD passed away on April 30, 2016 at Upper Chesapeake Medical Center in Bel Air. He was born in Jarrettsville, MD to William F. Matthews and Sarah Agnes (Bull) Matthews. He joined the Army in 1949 and was honorably discharged in 1952 after serving during the Korean War. He worked for Baltimore Gas and Electric for 35 years before retiring in 1985. He loved to travel, and belonged to the Traveling Terrapins of Maryland. He also loved to golf and was an avid fan of the Orioles, Ravens and Terrapins. He enjoyed participating in the lives and activities of all of his grandchildren. He willingly traveled great distances to be present at their various sports, concerts, and activities. He was a 50 year member of Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge in Bel Air, Tall Cedars of Lebanon (Bel Air Forest), and St. Ignatius Catholic Church.

Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by his wife, Nova Jean Matthews, in 1997. He is survived by his wife of 17 years, Shirley Matthews; his sons, Stephen Matthews and wife, Susan, of Greensboro, NC, William Matthews and wife, Katy Baetz Matthews, of Novi, MI and Mark Carpenter and wife, Theresa, of Jarrettsville; daughters, Pamela Hans of Atlantic Beach, NC and Kathleen Woody of Johnson City, TN; grandchildren, Kelly Kees, David Matthews, Jonathan Matthews, Scott Matthews, Claire Matthews, Colleen Rochelle, Michael Monaghan, Daniel Carpenter, Cory Carpenter, Angela Cole, Jennifer Bachman and Heather Woody; and 15 great- grandchildren. In addition to his parents he was predeceased by his brother, Roy Sewell Matthews and sister, Tacy Roberta Rayburn.

Pallbearers are Mark Carpenter, David Matthews, Jonathan Matthews, Cory Carpenter, Scott Matthews and Michael Kees. Honorary pallbearers are Michael Monaghan and Daniel Carpenter. Readings of the Scripture at the Mass of Christian Burial will be offered by granddaughters Claire Matthews and Kelly Kees.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be sent to any of the following: American Cancer Society, 8219 Town Center Drive, Baltimore, MD 21236; Mt. Ararat Masonic Lodge, 136 E. Gordon St., Bel Air, MD 21014; St. Ignatius Catholic Church, 533 E. Jarrettsville Road, Forest Hill, MD 21050.