Obituary: Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews - Class of 1941

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. / MADISON - Edward Benjamin "E.B." Matthews was born on Aug. 14, 1923, in Memphis Tenn., to Mamie (Taylor) Matthews and Olige Matthews. He went home to be with the Lord on Nov. 22, 2013, in Indianapolis, Ind., where he had lived for the past two years cared for by his daughter, Robin.

"E.B." retired from Oscar Mayer. He was an avid horseman and won many trophies and ribbons over the years at rodeos all over the country. He enjoyed watching the Green Bay Packers and Badgers football and loved attending the games whenever possible. He was the first Black Drum Major of the Madison Scouts Drum and Bugle Corps when they were founded in 1938.

Edward is survived by his sister, Addrena Matthews-Squires and his beloved children, Ollie Lamont Matthews, Marlieta Matthews-Beckman (David), Robin Matthews (Daniel Pepmeier) and Edwina Matthews; stepchildren, David Davenport, Chuck (Millie) Cramer and Karen (Andy) Cramer-Blackburn; grandchildren, Anthony, Brian, Jeffrey, Syreeta, Cameron, Danielle, Gabriel, Hunter, Bret, Sarah; and great-grandchildren, Kadence, Jordan, Amari, Ameira, Angelica, Annabella, Bryan, Taylor, Samara, Dominic, Thavyah; and special niece, "Mona Jean" and many other friends and relatives. E.B. Matthews was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Edie Mae; sons, Edward (Buster) Matthews, and Charles Matthews; sisters, Willie Jo Withers Walker, Ollie Mae Matthews-Banks, Rose Lee Matthews-Abernathy, Beauty B. Boxley and brothers: F.C. Boxley, Walter Boxley, Charles Boxley; and granddaughter, Holly Cramer; and ex-wife, Mary E. Matthews.

His family is deeply appreciative of the care he received from the Nurses and Certified Nursing Assistants of Allisonville Meadows Rehabilitation Facility. We would especially like to thank Tori Benson who cared for him so lovingly at home. Arrangements made by Flanner and Buchanan-Carmel, Carmel, Indiana. A Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, Dec. 7, 2013, at MOUNT ZION BAPTIST CHURCH, 2019 Fisher St., Madison, WI 53713. Family visitation 11 a.m. to noon and service at noon, the Rev. David Smith, officiating.

Originally published in the Wisconsin State Journal on December 1, 2013.

Note: The class year for "E.B." Matthews was provided by his niece, Mona Winston (Class of 1969), who said, "He was very proud of the fact he went to CHS."