Austin Matthews Jr., 69, Rockport
Austin Matthews Jr., 69, Rockport, formerly of Jasper, passed away at 11:15 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21, 2016, at Deaconess Hospital in Evansville.
Austin was born in Jasper on April 18, 1947, to Austin Sr. and Barbara (Haas) Matthews. He married Alfrieda Elmer on July 1, 1972, in St. Joseph Catholic Church in Jasper.
He was an Army veteran who served during the Vietnam War and was also stationed in Germany.
Austin retired from the Laborers Union #561 in Evansville and also served as a past manager for the St. Meinrad American Legion, the St. Meinrad Knights of Columbus, the Santa Claus American Legion and the Twinkle Inn in Jasper. He also owned the Double A restaurant in Mariah Hill. He worked in several furniture factories.
He was a member of the Tell City Knights of Columbus, the Spencer County Memorial Forest Association and the Jasper American Legion Post #147.
He enjoyed fishing, meat processing, playing cards and spending time with his grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife, Alfrieda Matthews of Rockport; one daughter, JoEllen Wassmer and husband Jeff of Evansville; two grandchildren, Kelsey and James Wassmer; two sisters, Diane McAllister of Louisville, Ky. and Patty Cacioppo and husband Richard of Omaha, Neb.; five brothers, Robert Matthews and wife Barbara of Ferdinand, Richard Matthews of Florida, Kenneth Matthews and wife Mary of Greenwood, Paul Matthews of Florida and Mark Matthews of Jasper; nieces and nephews.
Preceding him in death were two sisters; Mary Holst and Brenda Wolf and one brother; John Matthews.
Funeral services for Austin Matthews Jr. will be held at 9:30 a.m. Saturday, June 25, 2016, in St. Joseph Catholic Church with burial to follow in Fairview Cemetery in Jasper. The American Legion Post #147 will conduct military graveside rites.
Friends may call from 4:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Friday, June 24, 2016, at the Becher-Kluesner Downtown Chapel in Jasper.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church or to the wishes of the family.
Online Condolences may be made at www.becherkluesner.com.
