John "Jack" Franklin Matthews, 89, passed away Thursday, November 6, 2025 at his home in Salisbury, Maryland.

He was born in Marion Station, Maryland on June 3, 1936, the fifth of six children to the late Clarence B. Matthews and Eva Mae Nelson Matthews. Growing up, brothers Jack, Lou, and Chick were known as "white leghorns" around town.

Jack was a graduate of Marion High School where he played varsity baseball, soccer, and basketball. He played on the varsity baseball team as a freshman. Education was furthered at Delaware Technical College earning a degree in computer technology. He started working for the Eastern Shore Public Service Company in 1957, now Delmarva Power, and retired in 1992 after 35 years of service.  He held many supervisory positions before retiring in the position of Corporate Senior Principal Auditor.

A veteran of the Korean War, he served in occupied Germany, where he attained the rank of Staff Sergeant with the 529th Forward Observer Battalion. All five of his siblings served in the United States Army during the Korean War.

He played softball on the Eastern Shore Public Service and various other teams in Wicomico County until he was 65 years old. Tennis was also a pastime for Jack, which he enjoyed until he was 70 years old.

He was also active in the Single Action Shooting Society, an affiliate of the NRA, for several years, and was a graduate of the Civilian Police Academy of Wicomico County under Sheriff Hunter Nelms, and Chief Coulbourne Dykes.

Jack was a life member of the following:  West Side Volunteer Fire Department receiving his gold shield on December 8, 2008;  the Wicomico County Fire Police Association, Badge #121;  Delmar VFW Post #8276; Hebron American Legion Post #237; Crisfield Elks Lodge #1044; Single Action Shooting Society, Badge #4231; NRA; and Vingt Cinq Club of Delmarva Power.

During his time on this earth, he enjoyed many sports and tried most of them from skiing to golf. Riding his Ferguson Tractor in the fields around their mini farm, woodworking in his shop or doing anything a do-it-yourselfer enjoys. Remodeling his house, making or restoring furniture, or building the barn were a few of his accomplishments.

He leaves behind his beloved wife of 33 years, Joyce Walston Matthews; and sons, John "Kevin" Matthews and Thomas "Tom" Lee Cherrix, Jr. In addition, survivors include grandchildren, Jessica Ashley Cherrix Messick (Chad) and Thomas "Tommy" Lee Cherrix, III (Emily); a great-grandson, Myles E. Messick; a sister, Carolyn "Sis" M. Mahnkey; sisters-in-law, Jean Matthews, Eleanor Matthews, Ann Matthews, and Barbara "Bobbi" E. Walston; brother-in-law, Murray Eugene "Gene" Walston (Kay); nieces and nephews, Mike Matthews (Margaret), Jeff Matthews (Amanda), Brian Matthews (Stacey), Steve Matthews (Stacey), Denise Phillips, Lisa Jay (Chris),  David Matthews (Leila), and Jeff Walston (Michelle); as well as several great-nieces and great-nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by brothers, Alan "Al" Matthews, Clarence "Chick" B. Matthews, Jr., Louis "Lou" N. Matthews, William "Bill" T. Matthews; and brother-in-law Douglas "Doug" Mahnkey.  He was also predeceased by good friends Art Little, Ronnie Fisher, and Bill Bunce.

A Firemen's Memorial Service with Military Honors will be held Friday, November 14, 2025 at 11 AM at West Side Volunteer Fire Department in Bivalve, MD.  Dr. William Warren will officiate the service. The family will receive friends immediately following the service during the luncheon that will be provided.  A private scattering ceremony will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to West Side Volunteer Fire Department, P.O. Box 85, Bivalve, MD 21814.