William J. "Bill" Matthews

William J. “Bill” Matthews age 79, of Bloomington passed away Saturday morning September 30, 2023 at the Indiana University Health Bloomington Hospice House. He was born June 29, 1944 in Del Rio, Texas to Harold K. Matthews and Bishop Marjorie Swank Matthews. He was a 1962 graduate of Alma High School in Alma, Michigan and went on to work with Lobdell—Emery Manufacturing in Alma, Michigan and Corydon, Indiana for over 30 years , culminating in a position as plant manager. Outside of work, Bill served on the Board of Directors of the Highland Scottish Festival in Alma, Michigan. Bill was also the Chairman of the Parade Committee of the Highland Parade for ten years and served on the Board of Directors of Lobdell-Emery Credit Union for two years. Most of all, he enjoyed his role as a Boy Scout Leader, inspiring several young men to become Eagle Scouts through the years. Bill was a caring individual who always strived to improve his community and help others. He had a deep passion for making a positive impact on the lives of those around him. Bill was an avid golfer, a voracious reader and thoroughly enjoyed genealogy studies. He excelled at card games and all forms of puzzles, and loved putting his “useless knowledge” to work at the local Trivia Night. Bill had a strong faith and was an active member of the First United Methodist Church and St. Mark's United Methodist Church, both located in Bloomington, Indiana. He was preceded in death by his parents and by his first wife of 56 years, Sandra Kay Matthews in 2021. He leaves behind their children, Robert Matthews (Cheryl), of Grand Haven, Michigan, daughter, Lori Matthews (Kim Ecenbarger) of Bloomington, Indiana, and Gregory Matthews (Angela) of Bedford, Indiana; Grand children, Jacob Matthews, Bailey Gilmore (Devon), Kimberly Diaz, Brandon Diaz, Kaylee Brown, and Antoinnette Brown; brother, Steve Matthews (Deborah) and sister, Shelly Lenz (Dan). He was also predeceased by his sister Sandy Matthews. Bill had a second opportunity for love and will be deeply missed by his loving wife, Susan Richards Matthews, her daughter Michelle Bissell (Abram) and her grandchildren Ella and Ava. While their time together was brief, they enjoyed traveling, dancing, and sharing stories with friends at the local Bloomington Elk and Moose lodges. A Gathering to Celebrate Bill’s life will be held Sunday, October 8, 2023, from 1 PM - 4PM in the afternoon for visitation and a brief service to follow at 4:00 PM -5:00 PM at Allen Funeral Home and Crematory 4155 South Old State Rd. 37 Bloomington, Indiana. It was Bill’s wish to be laid to rest in his hometown of Alma, Michigan. A graveside memorial will be scheduled at a later date. Online condolences, photos, and memories may be shared with family and friends at www.allencares.com. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that contributions be made to the Bloomington Community Kitchen in honor of Bill's memory.

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William J. "Bill" Matthews

June 29, 1944 - September 30, 2023