Dr. Marshall Davis Matthews

A widely beloved, compassionate, talented and generous man died suddenly at home. Though his experience with dementia over recent years resulted in many changes in his life, he knew and enjoyed his family to the end. He maintained his love of literature and poetry, great music, traveling, improving his foreign language skills and chocolate cookies. Marshall used to say he was proud of his military service and medical abilities, that God had made him a musician, and that his greatest joy was his family. He was active in his local church family through service in the congregation and missions. His faith in the Lord brought him great joy and peace, and was the foundation of his generosity, compassion, and kind spirit.

Marsh was born in Bismarck, North Dakota to Glenn and Sara Boyd Matthews. His first musical love was bassoon which he played in the Wheaton College orchestra, with two symphonies in Houston during medical school and with several more in Washington.

The US Army drafted Marsh and he began his military service in the fall of 1963. He retired as a colonel after 20 years of service, proudly serving as Chief of OB/Gyn and Director of Ob/Gyn Residency, Tripler AMC, HI. He declined military promotion to return to full-time clinical care in Moses Lake, WA, where he was the first OB/Gyn. He quickly became known for his skillful and gentle care of women and his children became accustomed to being informed by strangers what a wonderful father they had.

Marsh began playing in the orchestra for the community college's theatrical productions. As he approached his 50th birthday he learned to play tuba. This was the beginning of a love affair with low brass that resulted in decades of enjoyment.

He made and remained close to many dear friends around the world. He considered them family and welcomed them to his home whenever he could. He delighted in providing instruments to budding musicians, tuition help to college students, and plane tickets home to anyone.

Marshall and Marilyn Matthews were married on Aug 26, 1961 and celebrated their 50th anniversary in France last summer. They have six children: Lynn Lockwood of Marysville, WA, James Matthews of Hanover, NH, Robert Matthews of LaPalma, CA, Joy Wiens of Portland, OR, Daniel Matthews of Manhattan, KS, and Karlaina Brooke of Portland, OR. They have 16 grandchildren and numerous nieces and nephews.

Marsh is survived by his beloved younger sister Susan Tollefson of Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by his parents and brother, Glenn B. Matthews of Ellensburg, WA.

Marshall was always motivated to aid young musicians in their pursuit of excellence. In that spirit, a scholarship has been established for members of the Moses Lake High School Band to help them further their musical education. Donations to this scholarship fund, or to the food banks in Moses Lake or Marysville, WA would be appreciated. Donations may be sent to Moses Lake Presbyterian Church, 1142 W. Ivy Avenue, Moses Lake, WA 98837 with "M.D. Matthews Scholarship or choices of Food Bank on the Memo line.

A memorial service will be held at Moses Lake First Presbyterian Church Monday 05/14/2012 at 10 am