Francis M. Matthews, 96, of Loogootee

He was born October 4, 1925, in Montgomery, Indiana to the late John and Elizabeth (Daily) Matthews. Frank married Alice Ash on November 23, 1950, and she preceded him in death on December 19, 2012. 

He was a United States Navy veteran and served in the South Pacific during World War II. After his deployment, Frank worked at NSWC Crane for nearly 33 years. He was a member of St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus – Council 732 and the American Legion – Post 120. Frank loved to play ping pong and cards. He enjoyed fishing, watching Loogootee Lions basketball, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Indianapolis Colts. While his health allowed, he loved volunteering at St. Vincent De Paul in Loogootee. 

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Matthews; parents, John and Elizabeth Matthews; siblings, Joseph Matthews, Jerome Matthews, Mary Strange and Agnes Matthews. 

Frank is survived by five daughters, Mary Rose (Mike) Mangin, Nancy (Bob) Spaulding, Linda (Mark) Wickman, Brenda (John) Mathias and Donna (Jim) Ader, all of Loogootee; four sons, Mike (Katie) Matthews of Bloomfield, Tony Matthews of Jasper, Jim (Janet) Matthews of Loogootee, and David (Kelly) Matthews of Loogootee; 20 grandchildren and 32 great-grandchildren; one sister, Marcella Smith of Indianapolis. 

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated by Very Rev. J. Kenneth Walker at 11:00 a.m., Friday, January 28, 2022, at St. John the Evangelist Catholic Church in Loogootee. Burial will follow in St. John Catholic Cemetery. 

Visitation will be held Friday, January 28, 2022, from 9:00 a.m. until the time of service at the church. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be to St. John Catholic Cemetery or St. Vincent De Paul. Condolences may be made online at www.blakefuneralhomes.com.