Donald Clyde Matthews

Donald Clyde Matthews, 79, of Bemidji, passed away peacefully at his home, surrounded by his family and friends, on Friday July 18, 2025.

Memorial services will be held at Olson-Schwartz Funeral Home on Monday, July 28, 2025 at 2:00pm. Family will greet friends and loved ones one hour prior to the service.

Don graduated from Bemidji High School in 1964. He was drafted into the Army and served 2 years. When he returned home, Don worked at several jobs before finding his lifetime career with Lakehead Constructors in Cohasset, Minnesota until he retired in 1998. Don was an avid race car driver and Bemidji Beaver Hockey goal judge. His love was his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Don is survived by his high school sweetheart and wife of 59 years, Nancy Matthews (Warrington), children Gary (Shannon) Matthews, daughter Vickie Matthews, grandchildren Willie Matthews, Taylor (Taylor) Parker, Zach Matthews, Carter Matthews, great-grandchildren Elwood Matthews, Willow Matthews, Brynlee Parker, Razzer Matthews, Zara Matthews, brother Jim (Liz) George, sisters Linda Smith, Nancy (Duane) Hedlund, Janice Sorensen, Carol (Elroy) Sorheim, and many nieces and nephews.

He is proceeded in death by Grandpa Matt, his mother Emmeline and step-father James George, Sr., sister Evaline Skerik, brother-in-law Joe Skerik, brother Ken Matthews, brother-in-law Kenny Sorenson, brother-in-law Robert Smith, Sr., father-in-law and mother-in-law Charles and Willodee Warrington.

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