Kelvin David Matthews
Kelvin Matthews was born into a loving home on November 23, 1967. He was completely healed of covid and went on to be with the Lord on October 3, 2021. He is survived by his devoted wife of 27 years, Cissy Leach Matthews; his beloved children: daughter, Caroline Matthews Chandler (husband, Dustin), son, Colby Matthews (girlfriend, Korie Kreps); mother, Linda Rutherford Matthews, parents-in-law, Jimmy and Janis Leach; brother and sister-in-law, Jim Brady and Lisa Leach; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph Matthews; sister, Laura Matthews O’Connor; and infant niece, Ashtin Jade Noel O’Connor.
Kelvin graduated from Florien High School in 1985. He started his career at Watco (Zwolle) Rail Car where he would continue working for just shy of 32 years. Kelvin was the definition of an exemplary employee. He continued to advance until his current position as Inbound Inspector.
Kelvin’s full-time job was only a small part of his life and how he spent his time. His greatest passion was his family. Out of that grew a passion for softball and baseball, where he enjoyed coaching both Caroline and Colby’s teams to numerous championships, including Florien High School Softball Class B state championships in 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016. He also served as President of Florien Dixie Youth for many years. Kelvin also had a love for everything outdoors, including yard work, hunting, and fishing, which he instilled in his children. With his loving wife and their closest friends, he enjoyed yearly vacations to amazing locations. His compassion for helping others led to his service in the local Lions Club where he was currently serving as President. His loyalty to his community included serving as the village of Florien’s Street Commissioner. His love for the Lord and his church, First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, was witnessed in his serving as usher and any other capacity where he was needed.
Celebration of life services were held on Thursday, October 7, 2021, at First United Pentecostal Church of Leesville, with Reverends Mark Christian and Louis Magee officiating. Burial followed in the Florien Cemetery. Honoring Kelvin are his dear friends who will serve as pallbearers are Clay Corley, Mark Green, Bradley Marr, Bobby McLain, Brian Miller, and Tim Parker. Honorary Pallbearers are Bobby George, Eddie Jones, Billy Knippers, Scott Miller, Bruce Stewart, and Randy Wells.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests friends to donate to the Florien Lions Club, P.O. Box 307, Florien, LA 71429, in memory of Kelvin Matthews.
