Lonnie Matthews, Jr

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.  Isaiah: 31

Lonnie Matthews, Jr. was born June 20, 1949, in Waco, Texas to the parents of Lonnie and Rachel Matthews.

Lonnie graduated from Moore High School in 1967. He married the love of his life and childhood sweetheart Janice Matthews. He was the dedicated and proud father of three children, Dorothy, Lonnie and Artemis.

He was a member of  Pleasant Olive Baptist Church where he served as superintendent of the Sunday school, president of the Brotherhood, member of the Voices of Joy Choir, Male Chorus, Sanctuary Choir, Youth department, and deacon. He attended Baylor’s Truett Seminary Institute and Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary. He served under Pastor Monty E. Francis and was  ordained as a Deacon and later a Minister by Pastor Francis. He later served under Pastor Willie Clark, and Pastor E. Shaun Williams.

Lonnie was a Master Mechanic of 17 years with many certifications, and later transitioned to TSTC where he was employed for 30 years as an automotive instructor until he retired in 2014. He loved his students and bragged about their talents daily. After retirement he co- owned a car lot business with his son.

Lonnie mentored many kids in the neighborhood and mentored young men in the Bill Logue Juvenile Detention Center.

He was a family-oriented man who loved his family dearly and spent many summers on family vacations and weekend trips to the lake. One of his true loves and enjoyment was race car driving. Where he spent many days and nights with his sons at the drag strip. He drove his last race car four years ago at the age of 70. He was a true lover of cars and was in the process of restoring a 1941 dodge.

He is preceded in death by his parents Lonnie and Rachel Matthews and his grandson Keenan Hubert and a sister Ora Lee Warren.

He is survived by his wife Janice Matthews of 56 years, his children Dorothy Phillips, Lonnie (Michelle) Matthews ) and Artumus Matthews Sr. His grandchildren, Aubre Phillips, Amber (Gian) Sandavol,  Artumus Matthews Jr., Autumn Phillips, Chris (Reanna) Phillips Jr., Myles Matthews, and Jeremiah Matthews. His great grandchildren: ZaQuavyon Carprew-Jones, Artumus Matthews III, Aliya Rose Singleton and Gael Sandavol, two sisters: Carolyn Sims and Seley Hall, nieces nephews and friends.