Capt. Johnny Harold Matthews flew west on September 16, 2024, in New Braunfels, Texas at the age of 92 after a long, adventurous, multifaceted life. He was born on April 22, 1932, to Vertis and Clara Matthews in Neshoba County Mississippi.

John's vocation and passion was aviation.

After his education at Linwood High School and East Central Junior College he joined the Army during the Korean Conflict and was inspired by a meeting with Chuck Yeager to apply to OCS and flight school he then, as an officer, flew fixed wing for the Army and later became a helicopter gunner pilot for the National Guard. He retired from the military after 23 years of service as a Captain.

John also flew as a Captain for and retired from Frontier Airlines. After retirement he herded cattle by helicopter on the King Ranch which he claimed as "The time of his life"!

John's artistic eye created beauty and whimsy in the world that will be shared for many years to come.

He loved laying rock and is probably building many wonderous and fanciful things to behold in the heavenly universe.

John had a passion for building whimsical birdhouses with surprises that brought smiles as they were discovered.

He took up oil painting, loved golf, poker, sailing, corndogs, bananas, deer and cats (he is probably surrounded by a large clowder of kitties vying for a spot on his lap now)

John was very proud of his "one time only" rendition of "Oh Lord It's Hard to be Humble" at a Frontier Airline golf tournament where he brought down the house!

He liked his Jim Beam and Coke and didn't need much of an excuse to POP the cork on a bottle of champagne in the event of a celebration!

John did not lead an average life. He dearly loved his family, traveled the world, filled his bucket list and had an envying and fulfilling time while he was here.

He is survived by his Bride & main squeeze of 47 years Vicki, Kids: Jackie, Jennifer (Ron), Audrey (Terry), and Douglas, Grandkids: Michelle (Kristopher), Sarah, Kelsey (Zach) and Megan (Robert), Great grandkids: Justin, Bentley and Wesley, Siblings: Joe, Joyce (Herman) and Geraldine, Nieces & Nephews: Charlynn (Carey), Rusty (Maryellen), Janis (Rodney), Stacie, Eric, Christopher (Stephanie) and their families.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in leaving this earthly realm by his father-in-law, Ted, mother-in-law, Ollie, sister- in- law, Sybil, brother- in- laws, Jim and Tommy, nephews Matt and Alan. His wish was to be cremated and his ashes stowed in a (quite heavy) urn adorned with a rather large brass helicopter which he built himself many years ago and will be kept as an objet d' art by his family for the years to come.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that you perform some random act of kindness.

...SO THERE!