He was born on Feb. 12, 1952 in Pendleton. Gary was raised in Oregon and Washington and later lived in Arizona and Utah before returning to Irrigon 17 years ago. He graduated from Walla Walla High School in the class of 1970. Gary was united in marriage to Catherine Jeffs on Aug. 29, 1970 in Walla Walla, Wash. He worked in auto sales in the Northwest for many years and later in arcade management. Gary and Catherine have lived in Irrigon for the last 17 years. He enjoyed fishing, hunting, playing pool, sports, and was an avid reader. Gary was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.
He is survived by his wife of 44 years, Catherine Matthews, Irrigon; daughters, Cassandra Cooper (Jason), Hermiston, Tanya Sorensen (Paul), Irrigon, and Debbie Akers (Randy), Irrigon; son, Greg Matthews (Katia), Utah; brother, Robert Matthews; sister, Carol Butson (Ed); grandchildren, Michael, Kenzi (Matt), Katlynn, Gevin, Alisha, Kylar, Andruw, Emily, Marissa, Rachel, and Colton.
Gary was preceded in death by his parents, George and Louise Matthews; and a sister, Linda Austin.
A memorial service will be held on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2014 at 11 a.m. at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 500 Wilson Rd., Boardman.
Private burial will be at Desert Lawn Memorial Cemetery in Irrigon.
Those who wish may make contributions in Gary’s memory to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, Missionary Fund.
Please sign the condolence book at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com.
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston is in care of arrangements.
