Robert A. Matthews

Robert (Bob) Allen Matthews passed away with his loving family by his side at Brookdale Memory Care in Bowling Green, Ohio on September 29, 2025.  Bob was born on September 15, 1945 to Lawrence and Caroline Showman Matthews.  He married his sweetheart, Francine (Fran) King on June 6, 1970.  They celebrated their 55th anniversary this year.  Bob and Fran were blessed with four children, Lisa, Mary Ann, Thomas (Tom) and Christina.  They were also blessed with a precious granddaughter, Natalie.  She held a very special place in Boppa’s heart. 

Bob was a graduate of Liberty Center High School, Class of 1963.  He graduated from Defiance College in 1967 and Indiana University in 1970.  Bob was a chemistry, physics, and earth science teacher at Holgate High School for 31 years.  After retiring from Holgate in 1999, Bob became a substitute teacher at Liberty Center Schools for several years.  He was also a Washington Township trustee for 12 years.  Bob also was a member of Ohio Retired Teachers.

In 1978, after his father Lawrence passed away, Bob along with Fran took over the family farm.  He really enjoyed farming even though it kept him busy in the spring and fall with teaching and farming.  He retired from farming in 2010.

Bob and Fran loved to go camping, along with their friends, during the summer months to tractor and engine shows.  Bob had made several small scaled engines that were models of the original engines used on farms before electricity was available.   He really enjoyed teaching the children and adults about the engines and showing them how they worked.  Bob and Fran were members of the Oil Field Engine Society. 

In addition to his parents, Bob was preceded in death by their infant daughter, Mary Ann. 

He is survived by his loving wife, Fran, children Lisa, Tom, Christina, granddaughter Natalie, brother James (Pat) Matthews, and many other family members, nieces, nephews and friends.

In honor of Bob’s wishes, funeral services will be private.

The Matthews’ family would like to thank Hospice of Northwest Ohio, especially Matt, Amanda, Heather, and the aides that helped take care of Bob, and provided much needed support for his family.  They would also like to thank the nurses and aides that took care of Bob and his family at Brookdale Memory Care Facility in Bowling Green during his short stay.

Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider a memorial contribution to the Liberty Center Fire Department or Hospice of Northwest Ohio.

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