1935 – 2022 “Don” Matthews, 87, of Independence, Mo. transitioned into the kingdom of our Lord October 27, 2022, while surrounded by family. A celebration of life service is planned for April 29, 2023. Born June 22, 1935, to Jossie and Arthur Matthews in Troy, Ohio, Don first showed interest in music at three years of age. During high school he played piano, cornet, French horn, string bass and tuba. As a student, he directed the high school choir and band, also played Taps for local funerals. He was an Eagle Scout. After graduating from Troy High School in 1953, he attended Ohio State University for two years on a Horn scholarship. He was a member of Ohio State marching band, holding first chair Horn in University Symphony.
He later received a Bachelor of Music Composition at University of Michigan. In lieu of military service, he served as a medical research patient. He then enrolled in a Master’s program for music at Ball State University. He was selected to conduct the college band at his Master’s graduation ceremony, playing his original composition, “Variations in Third Stream.” Don became a follower of Jesus Christ while in college. After corresponding with Virginia Zabel for seven years, they married August 25, 1963, in Kansas City, Mo. They immediately moved to Champaign, Ill. where Don was employed as piano accompanist for the Modern Dance Division of University of Illinois. In 1969, they moved to Kansas City where Don became employed at Wingert-Jones Music Co. as Music Editor and proof reader in their Publication Division. In addition, Don gave private piano and brass lessons.
During his lifetime, 25 of his religious compositions and 30 instrumental solos and ensemble pieces were published. His original compositions included pieces for full orchestra, concert band, instrumental solos, ensembles, choir music, and school music competition pieces. After 31 years of employment at Wingert-Jones, he partially retired, continuing to proofread and edit musical scores for them from his home for several years. Don played, arranged, and served as composer in multiple community bands. Recently his time was spent arranging, composing and conducting a local Brass Ensemble which performed at churches, senior facilities, parks, outdoor markets and Kansas City’s Union Station. He especially enjoyed arranging the beautiful music produced in America during the 1930-70 period. Older audience members especially enjoyed his arrangements from WWII era.
A voracious reader, Don read through the Bible nearly every year. He especially enjoyed mystery books, jigsaw puzzles, and cheering on the Ohio State Buckeyes (and the Chiefs). He and Virginia enjoyed playing Scrabble, cards, table games and strolling together during picturesque autumn days. Don was a long time member of Crown Pointe Church, Lee’s Summit, Mo. and also attended Colonial Presbyterian Church, Kansas City. Don is survived by wife, Virginia; son, Mark (Paulette); daughter, Mindy (Craig), five granddaughters: Emily, Mackenzie, Ellie Joy, Holly, and Jubilee; step-granddaughters, Brittany and Aubree (Anthony); four great- grandchildren; and nephews Dean and Bruce Matthews of Troy, Ohio. Don was preceded in death by his parents and three halfbrothers.
The family thanks St. Luke’s Hospice House for the excellent care provided to Don and family.
“Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord…that they may rest from their labors, and their works follow them.”
(Revelation 14:13)