Walter Earl Matthews

Walter Earl Matthews, 78, of Sandusky, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, January 11, 2024, at Cleveland Clinic following brief health issues.

Walter was born February 1, 1945, in Meridian, Mississippi, to Lorice R. (Matthews) Jones. He was the oldest of 5 children. Walter attended and graduated from Port Clinton High School in Port Clinton, Ohio, where he was an avid football player. He and his fellow players were recognized as PCHS Athletic Hall of Fame 1962 Northern Lakes League Champions. After graduation, Walter attended Lorain County Community College and relocated to Sandusky. He was briefly employed at the Lorain Ford plant and John Hancock Insurance Co.
 
In 1980, he established the Walter E. Matthews & Associates Insurance Company as an independent agent to serve the Sandusky community and surrounding areas in Ohio. He served as the President and CEO until his passing. Walter enjoyed swimming and jogging weekly at the YMCA. He also liked to travel, cook, bowl, and drive the bus for Sandusky City Schools. Anyone who really knew Walter, knew that he was an avid “cigar aficionado." He always sought out the best cigars. Walter showed his generosity by donating to various charities.

He is survived by his son: Todd V. Matthews of Boston, Massachusetts; “bonus daughter,” Phelica Thompson, “bonus grandchildren,” Taevin Odums and Pariah Odums, all of Atlanta, Georgia; sisters, Evelyn (Elijah “Skeet”) Goudy of Sandusky, Gloria (Rev. Jessie Sr.) Sallie of Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Betty Walker of Toledo; brother: Henry “Jimmy” Jones of Port Clinton; devoted aunt, Katherine Irby of Lorain; two uncles: Chester and Ben (Terrie) Matthews, both of Sandusky; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives, and friends.
 
He was preceded in death by his maternal grandparents: Dalton and Millie Matthews; mother, Lorice (Matthews) Jones; and first wife, Judy (Poole) Matthews.

Visitation will be held Friday January 19, 2024 from 3:00 PM until 6:00 PM at Brown-Robinson Funeral Home, 1814 Milan Road, Sandusky, OH. There will also be a viewing on Saturday, January 20, 2024, from 11:00 AM until time of services at 12:00 Noon at New Jerusalem Baptist Church, 1920 Eddy Henry Way, Sandusky, Ohio 44870, where Rev. Curtis L. Johnson, Jr., is the Pastor. Elder Roy C. Matthews will be the officiant/eulogist.