Willie Joe Matthews

Willie Joe Matthews, 86, of Gainesville, TX, passed away July 25, 2023 in Gainesville.

Willie Joe was born February 23, 1937 in Sherman, TX to Joseph Bailey and Bessie Mae (Houser) Matthews.  He attended the Thompsonville Schoolhouse and graduated from Sherman High School.  Willie Joe met Lorraine Sicking while attending a CYO Dance and the couple married June 21, 1958.  Mr. Matthews worked in the dairy equipment and supply business and in tractor sales before operating his own business, M & W, later M & S Dairy and Farm Center from 1967 to 2010.  In his free-time, he enjoyed working on antique tractors, raising cattle, and family vacations (particularly to Colorado).  Mr. Matthews most treasured moments were those spent with his beloved family.

Survivors include: daughter Charlotte Ann Matthews of Gainesville; son John Joseph Matthews of Gainesville; son David Kent Matthews and wife Crystle of Gainesville; grandchildren: Christopher Dwayne Rains and wife Brooksann, Tiffany Diane Rains, Toria Lorraine Schumacher and husband Jason, Tierra Noel Matthews and fiancé John Charles Williams, Katrina Nichole Debbert and husband Robert, and Brianna Hodge and fiancé Jeff; 11 great-grandchildren; sister Annie Catherine Matthews Kremer; and several aunts, uncles, nieces, and nephews.

Mr. Matthews was preceded in death by: his parents; wife; brother-in-law Richard Kremer; and numerous other family members.

A Mass of Christian Burial is scheduled for 10:30 AM on Monday, July 31, 2023 at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Gainesville.  Interment will follow at St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery, Sherman.  A Rosary Service, followed by visitation, will begin at 6:00 p.m. on Sunday, July 30, at Geo. J. Carroll & Son Funeral Home, Gainesville.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Knights of Columbus or to the Cooke County Antique Tractor & Farm Machinery Club.