Samuel Rhoads Matthews Jr., 87, Anderson died on December 9, 2021 at IU Health West Hospital in Avon, Indiana, following an extended illness.
He was born, an only child, on May 18, 1934 in Anderson, to Samuel R. Matthews Sr. and Laverne (Longtoft) Matthews, whom he survived. He was a member of First United Methodist Church. He worked as an civilian accountant for many years at Fort Benjamin Harrison. Thereafter, he worked for the US Postal Service in Anderson where he retired in 2009.
He is survived by no known living relative, but leaves to cherish his memory, Amber, John, Isabel & Graham Longnaker & family with whom he spent his last four years, at many of their Sunday family dinners, and visits to his favorite places: LivRite fitness gym, Anderson Public Library, and organic food stores. Because one day April, at a local nursing home called John for help so Sam could be discharged from the facility, the Longnakers gained an “adopted” loved one and spurred Amber & John to form Guardian Advocates Inc, a nonprofit corporation providing guardian services and “family” by matching volunteer advocates to dozens of adults in Madison County who have no family to help.
He lived fully despite his total deafness from scarlet fever as a young child. His interests were health & fitness and health foods. He loved reminiscing about his travels to Paris, Chicago, NYC, & New Orleans to view the local artwork & French King Louis XV style. He graduated an honor student from Anderson High School by reading the textbook daily before his teachers’ lessons, which he followed by reading their lips. His mother insisted he read lips instead of signing so he could communicate with anyone. And he did, with a sweet gentle personality, quick with a smile, witty comments and frequent joshing. He excelled and enjoyed math and accounting, but in those days, no accounting firm would hire someone deaf. He cared for both of his parents when they were in need. He lived alone after his mother passed away, maintaining and remodeling the beautiful family home. He loved to read all of the library’s - and we mean all - newspapers and magazines it held in its current periodicals section. It was usually a 3 hour endeavor. Nearly up to his demise, he followed his investments as he read the Wall Street journal despite the advancing Alzheimer’s disease that robbed him of his independence and in the end sadly, everything.
He was preceded in death by his parents and extended family.
Friends are invited to a graveside service on December 17, 11 am at Grovelawn Cemetery in Pendleton where he will be laid to rest beside his parents. In lieu of flowers and other gifts, memorial gifts may be made to Guardian Advocates Inc. to support its charitable services to those needing a guardian.
Post online condolences at www.rozelle-johnson.com.