Donald E. Matthews

Don was born in Detroit, Michigan, to parents Fern Walton and Clarence Matthews. His parents Divorced in the early 1950’s, he lived in Port Arthur with his mom, where he met his beautiful future wife, Beverly Ducharme. The family came to Silsbee, Texas when Don took a job at Caraway Motor Company as auto parts manager. Around 1975 he decided to go into business for himself and opened his own store, Minute Man Auto Supply. The business was successful, and he continued to expand with stores in Lumberton and Elgin, Texas.

He retired to Silsbee in 1990 to be near his granddaughters, Carli and Halley Fuller, and his eldest daughter, Debra. He lived an amazing life surrounded by his loved ones. He enjoyed the time he and Beverly spent at the beach cabin in Crystal Beach. He loved fishing and crabbing and was always ready for a little casino fun. Don loved to rebuild cars and raced many. He was always right about everything and could fix anything. He loved his family and friends completely, and after a short illness he is now at rest.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Clarence Matthews and Fern Walton Harper, his sister Teddy Rogers, and brother Eddie Barker Jr., and his youngest daughter who passed away September 7, 2025, Cheryl Frederick.

Don is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Beverly Ducharme Matthews, his remaining children, Debra Fuller and husband Randy, and Brian Matthews. He is also survived by his granddaughter, Carli Fuller Ard and husband Heath, his youngest granddaughter and Goddaughter, Haley Fuller, and his only grandson, Jesse Dyer. He has three of the best great grandchildren ever: Matthew Ard, Adam Ard, and Amanda Ard.

His family will love and miss him always.

 His ashes will rest in a mausoleum at Green Lawn Memorial.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Donald E. Matthews, please visit our floral store.