Donald Paul Matthews, Sr., 83, of Crisfield passed away on Thursday, December 6, 2018 at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home.

Born in Crisfield on April 5, 1935, he was a son of the late Paul and Florence Louise Collins Matthews.

A graduate of Crisfield High School Class of 1955, he enlisted in the National Guard at the age of 18 and served for three years.  He worked for the former Carvel Hall Cutlery, the former L.D. Ward Grocery, and lastly, Rubberset Corporation where he later retired.

Donald attended Mt. Pleasant Church in his earlier years where he had perfect attendance and most recently attended the Crisfield Church of God. He was a janitor for the Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, worked at the Crisfield Heritage Foundation/Tawes Museum, and was Chaplain Assistant at Alice Byrd Tawes Nursing Home serving daily for 15 years. In his spare time he loved to travel.

He is survived by his wife of 59½ years, Rachel Thomas Matthews; son, Donald Paul Matthews, Jr. and wife Betsy; brother, Franklin Lee Collins and wife Bonnie; grandchildren, Sarah Marie Matthews and Donald "Paul" Matthews, III; and several nieces and nephews.

Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by a sister, Betty Matthews Newsome.

A memorial service will be held at Bradshaw & Sons Funeral Home on Wednesday, December 12, 2018 at 2 PM.  The Reverends Stephen Willing and John Thorne will officiate.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Lower Somerset County Ambulance and Rescue Squad, LSCARS, P.O. Box 406, Crisfield, MD 21817.

To send condolences to the family, please visit our website at www.bradshawandsonsfuneralhome.com.