Larry L. Matthews

Larry L. Matthews, 72, of Beverly, Ohio was called to his heavenly home on Thursday February 29, 2024. He was born on May 15, 1951, in Marietta, Ohio to Glen L. and Jeanette R. Leonhart Matthews.

He graduated from Fort Frye High School in 1969. He worked at Rich Loaf every summer from 1969 until he graduated from Ohio University in 1974. He went back to teach at his alma mater from 1974-1982. After his years of teaching, he again gave back to Fort Frye by being on the school board from 1988-1991. With his lifelong business partner, Dave Stephens, the two started their own insurance company, Stephens-Matthews Marketing, in 1984. They achieved numerous awards for the company they built together, including Top Distributor in the Country for 10 years in a row.

Larry married the love of his life, Connie Schmidt Matthews, on April 14, 1979. He instantly became father to her two boys Bobby (Tammy) and Adam (Hillary) Enochs. They later had their third son Seth (Miranda) Matthews. They have 10 grandchildren, Sarah (Mckensie) Freeman, Abby Enochs, Alexis Enochs, Audrey, Kori, Archer, Emmy Enochs, Gage Matthews, Koanna Morris, and Tanner Wyatt.

Larry always gave back to his community. He was President of the Ohio Horseman’s Council Inc., along with other offices. He was founder of Ohio Trail Partnership. He was also a member of Marietta Church of God.

You could always find Larry and Connie at any Fort Frye sporting event. This was fitting as Larry took Connie on their first date to the Fort Frye vs. Frontier basketball game in 1978. They were avid supporters of the Athletic Boosters as well.

Larry and Connie loved to travel. He always told her he would give her the world, which is exactly what he did. They took numerous international trips and explored the US by horseback. He passed his love of horses on to his grandkids. He also shared the love of his John Deere tractors with all his kids. He could sit and watch them for hours while eating snacks, cookies and drinking a Diet Rite.

Larry was an inspiration to all who met him. Nothing stopped him from always radiating optimism, and never feeling sorry for himself, even when diagnosed when Parkinson’s. He always saw the best in every situation. Larry never met a stranger and was always the life of the party. He was a true family man, as he loved his family with all his heart.

He is survived by his wife and sons, and their families, his sister Sherrie (Tim) Rossiter, his sister-in-laws, Shirley (Bob) Hoffman, Marie (Joe) Gerken, Nancy Beck, and numerous nephews and nieces.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his in-laws Everett and Wanda Schmidt, brother in-law Jerry Schmidt, and niece Kelly Kent.

Services will be held at McCurdy Funeral Home in Beverly, Ohio, on Monday, March 4, 2024 at 11:00 am. Visiting hours will be Sunday, March 3, 2024 from 2-5 pm and 6-8 pm and burial will be in the Beverly Cemetery.  In lieu of flowers the family would appreciate donations to Michael J. Fox Foundation, Fort Frye Athletic Boosters, or Marietta Church of God and online condolences may be made by visiting www.mccurdyfh.com.

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