Sidney Matthews

Sidney E. Matthews, 98, of Carbondale, passed away on Monday, October 29, 2018 at Manor Court. He was born on February 28, 1920, in Staunton, Virginia to Sidney E. and Margaret Estelle (Kirby) Matthews. Sidney enlisted September 17, 1942 in the Army and served in the European Theater of Operations and was honorably discharged in 1946. He received several ribbons, including Good Conduct, ETO, American Campaign, and 2 Overseas Bars. In September 2012, he was selected to travel to the World War II Memorial in Washington, D.C. with Central Illinois Honor Flight. He and Elizabeth L. Woodfin were married on December 20, 1947, in Ashland, Virginia. Sidney graduated with a BA degree from Randolph-Macon College in Ashland in May 1948, a BS degree in Library Science from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill, in 1950 and a Master of Science degree from the University of Illinois, Urbana in 1952. His career as a professional library administrator began at Ohio State University 1952-1959, continuing to Virginia where he was Director at the Preston Library, Virginia Military Institute, Lexington 1959-1964. In 1964, Sidney accepted the position of Assistant Director of Morris Library, SIU-Carbondale and later became Director of Library Services, retiring in 1985. During his Library career, he had numerous articles published in professional journals and books. He was active in many professional organizations including American Library Association, Illinois Library Association, Association of College and Research Libraries, Illinois State Historical Society and fraternities Kappa Alpha and Beta Phi Mu. Sidney lived life to the fullest, enjoying traveling to all 50 states and 56 international countries. In addition to travel, his hobbies included gardening, fishing and reading. He belonged to several organizations, including AF&AM Shekinah Lodge 241, having become a Mason in 1945. He became a Rotarian in 1959 and has been active in the Carbondale (Noon) Rotary club since 1964; serving in all offices and District Governor, District 6519 in 1987; Paul Harris 711 Club and was recognized by the Rotary Foundation and awarded the “Citation for Meritorious Service. Sidney was a member of First United Methodist Church, Carbondale, since 1964 and served on many committees and enjoyed assisting with the Meals on Wheels team. Survivors include his wife, Elizabeth; daughter Sarah E. Matthews (Sam Morgan) of North Fort Myers, FL; grandsons, Matthew E. (Vanessa) Wiley of Brooklyn, NY and Michael E. (Laura DeTardo) of Jupiter, FL; sisters, Ann M. Deichsel of Gainesville, GA and Dorothy M. Rygh of Naples, FL; several nieces, nephews; other relatives and many friends. Visitation will be Thursday, November 1, 2018 from 5:00 to 7:00 pm at the funeral home. A Masonic Service will be held at 7:00 pm. Funeral Services for Sidney Matthews will be Friday, November 2, 2018 at 1:00 pm in Crain Pleasant Grove-Murdale Funeral Home with Pastor Alan Rhein officiating. Interment will follow at the Pleasant Grove Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded. Memorials can be made to the First United Methodist Church in Carbondale and will be accepted at the funeral home.

Sidney Matthews

February 28, 1920 - October 29, 2018