Raymond Howard Matthews

Raymond Howard Matthews, 90, of Plainfield, went home to meet the Lord on the evening of Sunday, September 15, 2024 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on October 6, 1933, in Salem Park, Indianapolis, Indiana, a son of the late Merrill Bryant and Edith Katherine (Eisenhower) Matthews. Throughout life, Ray was blessed with high energy and only knew how to get things done by working hard. At age 18, Ray began his career at Link Belt FMC working nights for 24 years and starting a trash business during the day. Ray and his wife, Barbara, founded Ray’s Trash Service in 1965, working with his entire family. In the early 1970’s, he drilled oil wells in Illinois, Kentucky, and Indiana. Ray loved the Lord and had a strong heart for missions. He headed up work and witness programs traveling to all states and 21 countries on mission trips. Ray also loved helping start and support churches. He was a long-time member of Calvary Bible Wesleyan Church in Plainfield. Ray had committed much of the Bible to memory and could recite the entire book of Revelations. He was a member of Gideon’s International and served on the boards of many Bible Colleges. Ray’s hobby and love was going to auctions. He was an avid hunter and fisherman and enjoyed hunting all over the world. Ray was also a licensed pilot and loved flying Piper planes. Following the death of his first wife, Barbara, Ray married Kathy Mullins on July 10, 1999. Those left to cherish Ray’s memory include his wife, Kathy Matthews; five children, Becky Bingham-Mink of Oklahoma City, OK, Harry Raymond (Carla) Matthews of Lake Cumberland, KY, Mark (Kathy) Matthews of Marco Island, FL, Donnie (Kari) Matthews of Avon, and Kristy (Braxton) Schoen of Plainfield; 10 grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren, and one great-great grandchild arriving in December; a sister, Mary (Earl) Radaker of Anderson, many nieces and nephews, and the entire Ray’s Trash Service Family. In addition to his parents, Ray was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara (Hauk) Matthews; three brothers, Harley, Harold, and Everett Matthews and one sister, Martha Hauk. Funeral services will be held at 1:00 pm Friday, September 20, 2024 at Calvary Bible Wesleyan Church with Rev. Rollin Mitchell and Rev. Marc Dodrill officiating. Burial will follow in Clayton Cemetery. Friends may call from 11:00 am until the time of the service Friday at the church. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Sproles Family Funeral Home in New Castle. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be offered to Calvary Bible Wesleyan Church for Missions Outreach. You may send the family a personal condolence at www.sprolesfamilycares.com. The Sproles family and staff are honored to care for the family of Raymond Howard Matthews.

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Raymond Howard Matthews

October 6, 1933 - September 15, 2024