MATTHEWS, DUDLEY WAYNE (1912 ~ 2004). Dudley Wayne Matthews, state representative, was born October 10, 1912, in Troup, Texas. After receiving his law degree from the University of Texas at Austin in 1938, he began practicing in Gladewater, Texas, where he met his wife, Dorothy White.
In 1940, after successfully campaigning for a seat in the Texas House of Representatives, Matthews was sworn into office on January 14, 1941. Representing the people of Gregg County, he focused his efforts during his first term on funding the previously dormant Junior College Bill, which, after its adoption, saved Texas' entire Junior College program.
Shortly after winning a second term in office in 1942, Matthews left the Legislature to volunteer for military service, even though he was exempt as a state elected official. Serving in the Army from 1942 to 1946, he taught at the Adjutant General's School in Maryland and at Fort Oglethorpe, Georgia. After World War II, he continued his teaching career at Tyler Junior College.
In 1952, Matthews moved his family to Midland, Texas, where he ventured into real estate and insurance, but returned to the law in the 1960s. His practice, which primarily dealt with underprivileged clients who could not afford legal representation, was finally closed after he retired to care for his wife, Dorothy, after she suffered a stroke.
After Dorothy's death on December 11, 2002, Representative Matthews remained in Midland until his death, on June 10, 2004. He was buried four days later next to Dorothy at the Texas State Cemetery.
Representative and Mrs. Matthews are survived by their two daughters, Janet Godwin and Joan Matthews, both of New York, and a grandson, Ariel Godwin.
Information taken from: obituary, Midland Reporter Telegraph, Monday, June 14, 2004.
|
Follow Us