Robert Jean Matthews MD
May 18, 2024
Robert Jean Matthews MD, deceased May 18, 2024
Dr. Matthews was born February 7, 1929, in the small Texas town of Navasota still awaiting the first railroad. He was born Bobby Jean, aka Sonny, a nickname given to him by his precious mother, Maude Sauls Matthews.
His family relocated to Seattle, Washington, where he attended Franklin High School and participated in a math and science program for gifted students. He always credits his teachers for their exceptional guidance. He attended the University of Washington and received both a Bachelor of Science degree and a Doctoral degree in Medicine on academic scholarships. He was most grateful for this and the dean who counseled him.
Upon graduation, Dr. Matthews served as a USAF Flight Surgeon, a Captain, during the Korean War and was also in the Air Force Reserves. Upon returning from Korea, Captain Matthews worked for the VA and UCLA Hospital. He relocated to Los Angeles, where he met and married the lovely Virginia Pace RN. They moved together to Boston upon his acceptance by the celebrated cardiologist David Littmann, MD, to complete a cardiology residency. With the first of three children, Michelle, Marc, and Mignon, due to arrive, Dr. and Mrs. Matthews returned to California. For 35 years, Dr. Matthews was an associate professor at UCLA and had a well-respected medical practice in Sherman Oaks, California. After retiring, Dr. Matthews volunteered at the Baptist free clinic in Leesburg, FL. After 35 years of a happy marriage, his wife, Virginia, passed away. Cancer also claimed his daughters Michelle and Mignon. Surely, the kind, compassionate Dr. Matthews is enjoying a heavenly family reunion.
Bob Matthews left his loving wife of 22 years, Kathleen Morrison Matthews, son Marc, stepsons Mike and James Morrison, daughters-in-law Deborah Morrison and Jennifer Hastings RN, two granddaughters Morgan and Maren, and grandchildren Tripp and Greer Elizabeth Morrison, members of Poppy's "A" club.
A memorial service will be announced. He respected and enjoyed his family and loving friends. He is dearly missed!
View current weather.
Photo Gallery
Guestbook
Sign the Guestbook, Light a Candle
Thank you for everything Dr. Mathews
A Blessed Man and life partner. I am grateful to have known him through you, my dear friend of over fifty years through so many of our mutual life changes and experiences. I am reminded of a saying engraved in a bronze church bell at the Penobscot Maritime Museum “He who lives in the hearts of others shall never die”… Here’s to you, Doctor Bob. ❤️
Kathy
We are so sorry to hear of Bob's passing. His obituary is a testament to the kind gentle good man he was. 95 years old a life well lived and a man to be truly missed. Your 22 years of marriage was surly a great joy to him.
Chris and Dawn
Our Willowcroft neighborhood sure misses Bob. Although rather frail when we first got to know him, we had inklings of his remarkable life from the tales told by his wife Kathleen. He loved his dogs, and he was loved by his neighbors. We miss you, Dr. Robert Jean Matthews. May you rest in Peace, secure in all you've done during your long, productive earthly life. With loving thoughts, Andy & Cathy
We shall meet as
I knew him as "Doctor Bob" many years ago when I was happy to meet him and enjoy many lovely times with him as I was included by his friends in many social events. I always regarded him as so elegant and kind and generous of his time to all of us. I have missed him for a long time when he moved away. God bless dear
"Doctor Bob"
Kathleen was my Sister-In Law, and we were delighted when she married Bob. Bob was the most likable, happy person you could spend time with. He dearly loved Kathleen, and she dearly loved him. She made him a part of a spectacular life of pets, travel, and family. They were very happy together. Kathleen just passed in November '24, and I am now just seeing a place to leave my condolences for Bob. We loved him.