Sylvester Lee Matthews

Sylvester Matthews, 90, passed away on February 25, 2022, in Tyler, TX.

Sylvester was born on May 17, 1931 in Tyler, TX, to Homer and Louise Matthews. He graduated from Tyler High School in 1948, earned an Associates of Arts degree from Tyler Junior College in 1950, and went on to earn a B.S. degree in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Texas in 1953. Soon after, he was called to preach and received a Bachelor of Divinity degree from Temple Baptist Theological Seminary in 1957. He started his ministry as an associate pastor in Akron, Ohio, but spent most of his career as pastor for 37 years at Open Door Baptist Church in Mesquite, TX

Sylvester was best known for his love for people and his genuine desire to share the gospel with everyone he met. He lived what he preached and impacted the lives of so many for Christ. He truly lived a wonderful life.

He also served in the Army National Guard and Army Ready Reserves from 1949 to 1956 and attained the rank of Sergeant. In God's army, his desire was to use his mission house for couple's conferences, and to provide a place of lodging and rest for missionaries.

Sylvester is survived by his children, Steve Keyes (wife Becky), Linda Mattoon (husband Rod), Laurie Campbell (husband Stacy), John Keyes (wife Chris), Steve Matthews (wife Tonya) his grandchildren, Angela Keyes Bolick (husband Michael), Adam Keyes (wife Shanah), Aaron Keyes (wife Megan), Holly Wright (husband Mike), Joshua Mattoon (wife Lindsay), Rashelle Kenny (husband Mike), Katie Hackathorn (husband Charles), Micah Mattoon (wife Grace), Andrea Rick (husband Josh), Autumn Mattoon, Valerie Gray (husband Shawn), Benjiman Webb (wife Lacey), Shelby Deck (husband Zack), Catherine Keyes, Stephen Matthews Jr. (wife Bradi-Kathryn), Jacob Matthews, Moriah Simmons (husband Dalton), Berean Matthews and his 30 great grandchildren.

Sylvester is preceded in death by his loving wife of 40 years, Sybil Matthews, Homer Matthews (father), Louise Matthews (mother), and Lavena Clark (sister).

The service for Bro. Sylvester Matthews will be held on March 4, 2022 at 10:00 AM at Parkside Baptist Church, 1729 Gross Road, Mesquite, TX 75149 with graveside service following

Visitation: March 3, 2022 from 5-7 PM at New Hope Funeral Home, 500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182

Burial: New Hope Memorial Gardens, 500 East Hwy 80, Sunnyvale, TX 75182

Sylvester's vision regarding his mission house in Tyler, TX will continue on and because of his great love for missions, we ask that in lieu of flowers, please donate to your favorite missionary or mission project.