Norman E. Matthews, Sr., 83, 0f Odin, passed away Wednesday, November 29, 2023 at his home surrounded by his family.
Norman was born January 6, 1940 in Dahlgren, IL, the son of Jasper Matthews and Jenny (Walkendorf) Matthews. He married Mary Jane “Pete” Matthews on October 10, 1957 and she preceded him in death. He married his life-long partner of 40 years, Dottie Garren on June 27, 2018 in Salem, IL and she survives him.
In addition to his wife Dottie, he is survived by a daughter: Robbyin Etheridge and Randy of Odin, sons: Brad Blackman of Odin, and Dusty Garren and Nicole of Centralia; grandchildren: Brannon Etheridge and Sandra, Ty Etheridge, Chelsea Hanselmann and Robert, Travis Etheridge and Anica, Brooke Helsing and Louis, Shae Matthews and Tonya Stock, Justin Matthews and Dayna Jones, Laynee Garren, Charliegh Garren, Maylie Garren, Theodore Garren, Megan Blackman and Fiancé Justin Perun, Lea Spitler and CJ; great-great grandchildren: Coralynn Etheridge, Abby Burleyson and Justin, Bryler Etheridge, Holden Etheridge, Henry Etheridge, Evie Etheridge, Jovia Etheridge, Jack Etheridge, Blake Tomes and Kylee Butler, Emersyn Hanselmann, Braxton Davis, Peyton Stock, Brianna Massaro and Cam Newcomb, Nevaeh Helsing and Julian Collings, Olivia Helsing, Maddox Matthews, Greyson Matthews, and Mairin Matthews; great-great-great grandchildren: Hadley Burleyson, Everleigh Tomes, Asher Tomes, and Blaikley Newcomb brother: Jerry Matthews of St. Louis, MO; sisters: Janet Stemler of Waterloo, and Donna Wright and John of California; also surviving is several nieces and nephews.
Norman was preceded in death by his parents: Jasper and Jenny Matthews; son: Norman “Butch” Matthews, Jr.; sisters: Sabina Burnside, Mildred Taylor, Doris King, and Maurine Seibert.
Norman collected arrowheads and marbles. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, and gardening. He was an avid sports fan which included, Illini, and Cardinals Baseball. He also was an avid rodeo fan. He could be found at home watching Westerns on T.V. and mowing his yard. He will be missed by all who knew him.
A Celebration of Life Service for Norman E. Matthews, Sr. will be held at 7:00 pm on Tuesday, December 5, 2023 at the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia with Dan Seibert officiating. A Visitation will be held Tuesday, December 5, 2023 from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at the Funeral Home. In memory of Norman, memorial donations may be made to the family and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home at 235 North Sycamore Street in Centralia, Illinois 62801 (618) 532-3523, who is honored to be of service to the Matthews family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com or the Funeral Home’s Facebook page.
