Merle A. Matthews, 61, Knob Noster, died on Thursday, Dec. 18, at home. He was born on February 18, 1925, in Canyon, Texas, the son of Lawrence A. and Zibba Conner Matthews. Mr Matthews has lived in Knob Noster since moving from Texas in 1951. He had worked as a farmer. Mr Matthews was a member of the United Methodist Church, Knob Noster, the Masonic Lodge and the VFW. He was a U.S. Army veteran of World War II.

1944, September 1 - WW II Army Enlistment Records, 1938-1946
On the 1st of September in 1944, dad enlisted at Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. At that time there was no branch assignment. He went in as a Private for "the duration of the war or other emergency, plus six months, subject to the discretion of the President or otherwise according to the law. He gave his education as "three years of high school", said he was an automobile serviceman, single with out dependents.

1952, August 24 - On Aug. 24, 1952, he married Elizabeth Ann Covey in Knob Noster. She preceded him in death on December 2, 1984.

Mr. Matthews is survived by one daughter, Lisa Matthews, of the home; three sons, Dan Matthews, West Germany; Sam Matthews, England, and John Matthews, Warrensburg; one sister, Mrs. Pauline Bishop, Killeen, Texas; one brother, Larry Matthews, Sedalia, and one grandchild.

Funeral Services were on Tuesday, December 23, 1986 at 10:00 A.M. at the United Methodist Church in Knob Noster. Officiating was Rev. Richard Ogden. Interment was at the Knob Noster Cemetery. Pallbearers were Densil Allen, Sr., Ron Breshears, Glenn Frisbee, Bill Maham, Paul Osborne, and Harland Temple. Services were conducted by Sweeney-Phillips Funeral Home (Denis Ray “Denny” Baker).

Aunt Polly said dad was born at home and delivered by his father Lawrence Arthur. But his birth was recorded in Canyon, Texas. She said they were living in Castro County, Texas at the time of his birth.2

In 1964 mom wrote that on our family holiday through Texas we did a side trip to Dimmit, Texas to view the old Junbo School, (Alma Mater of Mr. Matthews) and a trip in through the farmlands to see the old place and visit with the Crums and other old time friends of Daddy’s.8

In August of 1946, Elizabeth Ann left Missouri and moved to Ft. Sumner, New Mexico where she taught history and sociology to High School students. She lived with the Edwards family who became a second family to her. Anytime we were on holiday, our family always tried to stop by New Mexico for a visit. I remember their house well. It was made of stone and there were Pecos diamonds between all of the stones on the front of the house. Mrs. Edwards gave me a handful to take home to Missouri. I now have them in a jar in Ireland.

Around the 1st of April in 1965 mom opened up her clothes and fabric shop in Knob Noster, Missouri. It was called the Fashinon Junction.9

Known family relations not found or connected to:

Aunt Mayme Winkler Brukart’s youngest son Bob came for a hew hours visit. Bob is a native of California. Dad took him to Knobs to look for any familiar landmarks he could find.10

Cousin Margaret Schubert of Lakeland, Florida, paid a visit. Mom was pleased to renew her kinship with Margaret and the rest of ther family were delighted to meet her.10 [This is Margaret "Margo" Gaehner Schubert, who was the dauther of Lulabell Covey Obrien]

When she was eleven she gave a recital up in Kansas City. She played Nevin’s “Buona Notte” and the difficult “Ecossaisses” by Beethoven.11

They were married by the Rev. Neal of Sedalia, MO.5