Wayne R. Matthews

Wayne Russell Matthews, age 84 of West Branch, passed away Wednesday September 14, 2011 at Bortz Health Care. Wayne was born October 29, 1926 to William and Elizabeth (nee Crow) Matthews. He had lived in West Branch all of his life, spending most of those years on the farm where he was born. He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, the Methodist Men’s Club and the Masonic Lodge #376 of West Branch. He operated a dairy farm until age 40, at which time he attended Michigan Tech University. He then worked as the director of the Ogemaw County Equalization Dept. for 23 years, retiring in 1989. He enjoyed woodworking, golf, travel and spending time with this family but perhaps more than anything, he enjoyed using his talents to help others. Wayne is survived by three children and their families, Glen (Diane) Matthews of Alanson, MI, Philip Matthews of West Branch and Lorna (Bill) Eis of Kalamazoo, MI, five grandchildren and their families, Eric Matthews, Allen (Elizabeth) Matthews and Kristen Eis all of Chicago, IL, Michael (Melissa) Eis of Kennesaw, GA, Jennifer (Greg) Raymond of West Branch, MI, four great-grandchildren, Lucas and Adelle Matthews, and Brandon and Ryan Eis. He was preceded in death by his wife Betty, his daughter, Kathy Gaulin, and five brothers and sisters. Visitation at the Steuernol & McLaren Funeral Home in West Branch will begin on Friday, September 16, 2011 from 3-9 p.m. On Saturday, there will be a Masonic Service at 11:00 a.m. at the First United Methodist Church in West Branch followed by the funeral service. Rev. Lisa Cook will officiate with burial following at Brookside Cemetery. Memorial Contributions may be made to the First United Methodist Church, the Ogemaw County Commission on Aging, Hospice of Helping Hands or the Ogemaw County Historical Society.