My brother John as an amazing drumming!! 🥁
and… unbelievable artist/ painter!! 🎨

Johnny - Rhon was so happy when you gave him your M&M painting and has it on the wall in front of his desk.  He fondly remembers you and your God-given creativity.  He also remembers your 6-foot spark plug painting (he wanted that one also!!  :o).  He and all the family miss your presence among us; however, we are thankful you are home!

Today would be your earthly 71st. . .
more importantly, it's your heavenly 5th!
Rox and I did celebrate. . .
gifts, watermelon water, and all.
For we know regardless of here or there,
you are always near.

Sunflowers and Paddington. . .who could ask for anything more!!!

I spent June 22nd in silence, reminiscing on 5 years ago.
My comfort is in knowing that you were not alone.

Jesus came to get you. . .
to show you the way home,
where you always longed for,
now a dream come true.

Happy 5th in heaven, Johnny. . .
and for continually showing your love to us below.
Although time is passing, it's filled with love and comfort
thanks to the many ways you show.

John ~ “my big brother from another mother “ ~ thinking of you especially today!! I thank God upon every remembrance of you ~ Philippians 1:3.  Sending much love and a big hug your way as well as  to “my seesters,” Birdie & Roxie, who I know are missing you too. 🙏🏻❤️🙏🏻❤️

The wind chimes played and the whirlybird (from Lorraine) spun as I visited your gravesite for what would have been your 70th earthly birthday (30 July 2023).

Rox and I celebrated. . .
her sunflower gnome made her smile;
we placed stickers in our journals; and most amazing of all 
was the page Rox chose. . .'Drum on this page with pencils!'

We drummed on the page and sang happy birthday!
I even did a one-handed drum roll!!
We toasted with watermelon infused water!!!
Memories of old we laughed about, but most importantly,
is the love for you we shall forever hold!!!

Thank you, Johnny, for showing us you ARE always close by. . .
as these past 4 years, even though we do cry, we know you are in God's Rightful Place.

When Lorraine was enrolled in a UTSA Conversational Spanish course, John drew this specifically for her!   He did love using his markers and his sense of humor shines through his artwork!!  The little guy in the right-hand corner is one of his copyrighted characters, Snort. . .also a family nickname for John.  :o)

We miss the dear presence of John.  He could add so much to your life in your encounters with him.  Most especially, his wonderful sense of humor.  Always lots of laughter around him.  God blessed us with this endearing man.  Blessing to his wife, Birdie.  Love, Lorraine Say 

John did a great job on drums.  Injoyed hearing him play at the 12:00 Mass for years!

-Blaise 

John~ my “older brother from another mother” I am thinking of you - especially today.  I miss you dearly, but grateful to GOD for every memory of you. We all know and trust that we will see you again! Until then, keep praying for each of us John ~ as you always faithfully did when you were still us. Love, your “little seester” Michelle


Johnny's name is engraved on Panel F3. . .close to those loving words, Jesus, I trust in You!

Every time a red cardinal visits my bird bath,,,I feel a sence of peace thinking you're saying hello and you are loved sitting at the table with our Lord. Hugs, Love, prayers,  and we all miss you.


Johnny. . .it's been 3 years and where did the time go. . .the days went with you to heaven and just so you know, there's a candle burning for you, and one for Rox's birthday too, as you continually are remembered at the National Shrine of the Divine Mercy.   Thank you for sharing this devotion near and far as now you are a part of this great reward with our Lord!

Missing you just as much as I did three years ago. 

John will always be a joyful memory.  His good and giving nature, his happy smile and his tremendous talent still shine.  We miss you, Dear Boy.  Love, Lorraine

Our Last Misfit. . .It was a dark and stormy night when we found this misfit on CVS’ curb.  Of course, we had to rescue the babe before the wind blew him away.   “Where shall we keep him,” I did ask.  “In the jeep so you won’t be alone” was your reply.  Still in the jeep from the day he was found, the misfit rides with me and best of all, to this present day, your reply in my ears still reverbs.  😊


**Our Last Haircut**

It happened on a Friday,
14 June 2019 to be exact. . .
we went to get haircuts and
I had no idea it would be your last.

We went with Marge and Larry. . .
then ate at Jim’s after that.
How blessed we were for
Larry took our pict.

We sat in a booth,
side-by-side.
My one regret, I didn’t
see the tiredness on your face.

You were ready to go and 
Saturday, 22 June 2019,
you did just that. 
You took Jesus’ hand,
no need to look back.

My Johnny, I love you
and am blessed you are home. . .
but just so you know,
yes!  I still get my haircut
on 14 June.

This year, 2022, it’s a Tues-dee :o)
I go with you in my heart as 
I will never forget. . .14 June,
when we got our last haircut. 

Best thing of all, 
you were ready for Jesus,
in that, there is no regret.
Thank you, Johnny for everything. . .
especially for painting me beautiful sunsets.


As the third year approaches,
and in my deep, deep sleep. . .
on Tuesday, 22 March
I had this wonderful dream.

I watch as John and I did various things together. . .
even bathing our Mouton (second dream with him in it).
A sense of peace fulfilled me,
to see the beauty of the years.

Forty-two as a married couple. . .
and such an unusual life we lived.
Musician, animator, photographer, artist. . .
all opened up a world of adventure. 

Great comfort from this dream with him. . .
it was a ‘wonderful life!’
In my heart, I shall always remain,
John Franklin Matthews, Jr.’s wife.

On this Thanksgiving Day of 2021
I thank dear God for Johnny
whom He gave me to become one.

As the time moves forward
it's day-by-day from now on. . .
but that is not to say
the love is ever gone.

In thanksgiving I thank God each evening
under the moon and stars above
for blessing me with such a man
whom in eternity lives on.

Johnny. . .I can still hear your 12:01 am gobble. . .gobbble. . .gobble. . .as you know, it warms my heart!!  :o)  I cried while singing Taste and See, your favorite song, and hopefully one day soon I can return to Mass in person. . .for now. . .online will have to do.


Dear John,
 As you watch down on all of us know we continue to remember the kind, quiet. gentle man who faithfully did his part every Sunday with our. 12 noon choir . You are missed by many at
St.Anthony Claret
We know you are in that heavenly home we all pray to be part of when we are called to depart this earthly plain
RIP

John and his nephew, Rhon, will always share their love of the Blues Brothers dialogue.  Me, his sister-in-law, will always remember his laid back goodness, his love for pets, his love for mac and cheese and his love for Birdie.  Such a great talent and joy-giver, yet most modest and humble.  We miss his dear presence and rejoice in his deliverance from this earthly plane and suffering.  God bless his family.  Love, Lorraine

It's hard to believe how time does fly;
and without your physical presence 
2 years have gone by.

 I do feel you are with me. . .
every step of the way
and comfort is always felt.

In the ground now you lay
just your body now. . .
your spirit already made its way.

You have entered that narrow gate;
you have always done justice;
now you live in the presence of the Lord.

Holy men shed their glorious blood
for the Lord;
they loved Christ in their life,
they imitated Him in their death,
and therefore are crowned in triumph.

Thank you John for loving me,
a gift I shall always cherish.
You did imitate Christ 
and now you are robed in majesty.



I miss you so bad, John. 
My heart doesn’t feel any better than it did two years ago today. 
I am so glad that I listen to my inner self and flew down to spend time with you before you passed. I didn’t expect it to be three months later.
Love always, 
Your seester...as you would call me! 

I recently came across an animation cel at my parent's house that John gave me almost 30 years ago.  I met him at a video and animation meet-up in Houston when I was in high school in the early 90's.  My dream was to be a 3d animator and he quickly became a mentor.  We would hang out at his house and geek out on computer things.  He also introduced me to a new-fangled technology called "Compact Discs"!  Once I left for college to study computer animation, we lost touch.  I made various attempts to track him down throughout the years by googling "John Matthews" and "Texas Video and Post" to no avail, but tried again after finding the cel only to find the news of his passing.  My career with computers since meeting him blossomed  into writing animation software, designing websites, and now building large-scale interactive exhibitions - much of which wouldn't have happened without John's innate sense of teaching and encouragement when I was that nerdy kid in high school.  You'll be missed!

John's sense of humor was unbeatable.  Even at his last lunch with me and family and friends he was his joking, best self.  He was so laid back but his presence was greatly noted and, we all, will never forget this lovable man.  Love, Lorraine

Easter Blessings 4 April 2021
A special remembrance gift to Rox Mathie with tremendous love from her Bubby  :o)

A Life Well Lived: John F. Matthews, Jr.

John F Matthews, Jr. was a faithful man of God, humble servant, selfless professional, and practical joker.  He was fondly known as “Mr. Birdie” and was a friend to all, jammer for Jesus, and award winning graphic animator/artist. Most importantly, 
he was a deeply devoted follower of Christ.

John was such a humble soul that many were 
unaware of his many professional achievements. One significant accomplishment happened in 1991 when John swept awards for animation and graphic design at Houston’s World International Film Fest... gold, silver, and bronze.  Most amazing is that he was self-taught in his disciplines. He was a computer graphic mentor for NISD, and although he may no longer be present physically, 
the essence of his mentorship will continue through the gift of his materials, books and art supplies to those he mentored. One of his lasting legacies resides on the exterior wood cross, a foundation piece dedicated to the new parish sanctuary in 2004 at St. Anthony Mary Claret. His original logo design is placed in the center and reflects our true mission as parish and church, “We are the Church Together:  Building Our Future.”

John shared a tremendous amount of his life both professionally and spiritually using his talents for the glory of God.  Whether it was working for CTSA, playing with his band “Called2Be” at parish Unity Day and Catholic school festivals and other events, drumming at “candlelight” services for ACTS communities, or helping as a visiting musician (drummer) for school music/concert functions...John gifted so many with his talent and spirituality.

John, you fought the good fight. 
Though Alzheimer’s disease may have taken you from us prematurely, we stand in faith remembering that “the souls of the just are in the hands of God and no torment shall touch them” - Wisdom 3:1. 
John, you are free and will be forever in our hearts!

I had a beautiful experience
as I went outside to pray. . .
to thank God for my Johnny
especially on this special day.

The clouds were thick and heavy,
yet, what did my eyes see. . .
a heart-shaped break among the clouds
that brought a smile to me!!

As the clouds passed me by
as they swayed upon the breeze. . .
in the heart a gift, 
and an answer to my prayer.

I saw two stars in the covered sky. . .
One for God and one for Johnny,
and a very peaceful heart for me!

Thursday, 18 June 2020
43rd Anniversary (first without Johnny)
2:15 AM


The Robe of Righteousness

On Friday, 31 January,
John came to me in a dream again.
There were four different scenarios
and in one, he called my name.

He appeared in one 
as a glowing gold orb. . .
most brilliant and bright
in every sense of the word.

In another, David was there;
the three of us as in life.
David was happy to see him,
and even told John hi!

In the longest dream John came to me;
he asked what I was doing as
I dropped something behind the couch. 
He said, “here, let me help you,”
at that time, he did reach out.

As I turned to see him, 
John was dressed in white
funny, that had me a bit perplexed.
Then it quickly dawned on me. . .
Jesus has clothed him in majesty.


I'm missing you and still can't believe you're gone from me. 
It's Easter Sunday, we would always eat Lemon pie together.  I wish I could fly down and make that a reality.

Sunflower Dream

It happened on a Tuesday,
16 January (2020) , to be exact.
A dream of John and sunflowers
so tall and encircling us front and back.

I told him that I love him
and that will never end.
He led me by the hand
and then replied, “I understand.”

In the circle of sunflowers
we hugged, kissed, and held hands.
Now as the new year and decade starts,
a time without John’s physical presence begins.

I thank God for the husband
He now made whole again.
For all our time together
and, like life, the dream did end.

John will never leave me, 
nor do I want him to.
He’s transitioned into eternity,
a journey of hope and promise 
we, too, shall all do.


Little Drummer Boy

It’s just a few days past 1 year
that my sunflower dream filled my mind.
On Monday, 18 January 2021, 
I dreamed of my Johnny
as he sat on his drum throne, 
world class drumming at best!!

In a striking green shirt he did wear,
a sign of life and new birth.
Also with Johnny, sitting in a chair. . .
was Mouton, my first dream ever 
for him to appear!!

My Johnny is happy and not missing a beat
played for Jesus, as a drummer boy 
at His feet.
I could see the rhythms he played; 
however,no sound in my head as I laid (smilin’).

Such enthusiasm I could detect
with such focus he never looked backed.
His chops were filled with such delight
Jim Chapin, his mentor, was present 
with each strike!

One-handed drum rolls. . .
the Moller Method
at its best, and boy, 
did he have a fantastic rack!
With rimshots, rolls, 
and the occasional splash,
the tempo was rockin’. . .
world drumming at its best!!

The groove and beat proved 
the tempo was rockin’. . .
and no surprise there, for Johnny
always returned his musical talent to God.
A little drummer boy with the finest of gifts
to honor this talent with fantastic drum riffs.

There is no doubt that 
Johnny played his best for Him. . .
a percussionist with many talents 
to lay these gifts before the King. . .
and warmth to my heart it did bring!!!!


Birdie, I was coming to San Antonio in a few weeks & thought— it’s been forever but I wonder what John & Birdie are up to?  I am heartbroken that your other half has left this Earthly plane, but comforted to know that he is now in heaven with our Lord & Savior.  When John & I worked together in Houston at Texas Video & Post he was always the bright light in the room that happened to be a dark space creating magic with his artistry. His extensive music cd collection and his infectious laugh kept us entertained on those long production days. After I married, the two of you and Mouton welcomed my husband John and our little Bea Bea into your home. Just know the two of you ( and any fuzzies) are in my prayers and heart.  
Anna Franklin

Greatest brother-in-law ever!  Your generosity to this community and your talent at your workplaces were remarkable.  Love you mucho in your well deserved heavenly home.  Lorraine

I give thanks to God daily for calling you home when He did John.  By doing so He allowed us to truly celebrate your life.  In these times families cannot do that now and all lives deserve to be celebrated and farewells expressed by loved ones.  I know you surround me and you have inspired beautiful poems from your visitation, very real dreams,  The last one was real cool (wink! wink!!).  The 18th was our 43 anniversary and the 22nd the first year of your Heaveniversary.  Thank you John for all you meant, and mean, to so many who love you.  Your earthly presence is missed; however your soul continues to fill our eyes with beautiful sunrises/sunsets and our ears with drum rolls and cymbal clashes.  Forever I will be your B'ger.

A year ago today and still hard to deal with...I miss you  (Bubby) John, Love ❤️ always your “Seester”..as you would call me. 
Love,
Rox

Birdie,

John is a wonderful human being. He will be dearly missed. 
My deepest condolences to you and your family. Rest his soul in peace. I pray to god to give you strength to endure your loss.
You can always count on me when you need a friend.
Regards,
Vasu Iyengar

John,
I know you are in peace. I miss the times we shared together and all the wonderful memories like the day we went to the zoo and saw the butterflies; we had so much fun. I will always cherish our times in my heart. I love you. I miss you. I will always reflect on the beautiful pictures that are left in your memory.


My Beautiful Sister In Christ Birdie, Roxy and family. John will be missed especially his crazy jokes, his incredible strong hug greetings, John your laugh was infectious. There are so many wonderful memories filling my heart from our family holiday get together. Halloween you won 1st prize on your pumpkin carving,,,,,we all had so much fun! John, you truly are a beautiful soul, an incredible artist, musician, but mostly a "Man of God". I am sad and yet joyful in your true  journey  with our Lord. You are LOVED, and Birdie will be surrounded with church family and taken care of ( as you were concerned).
 May The Angels
May the angels lead you into Paradise, may the Martyrs receive you at your coming, and take you to Jerusalem, the holy city. May the choirs of the Angels receive you, and may you have rest everlasting. God bless, Love, Linda, Bill, and Joshua Jones family 

I offer hugs and prayers to Rox for the loss of her brother. My deepest sympathy to all of John's family.

Our condolences to you and the family !  We remember John so well, especially through his wonderful work at CTSA.  He always had a smile and we recall the many times he was willing to serve others.  May John rest in the merciful peace of our Lord.  May the Lord grant you the necessary graces needed.  
God bless you and the family.   

Birdie,
My condolences to you and your family, may your heart and soul find peace and comfort during this difficult time.

Margaret McKee

Birdie, I am so saddened by your loss of John but at the same time happy for him as he starts this next and most beautiful phase of his being. I always enjoyed playing  music with John when I substituted playing piano at the noon Mass or played with him for ACTS events. His percussion added so much to the music and inspired the rest of us in our playing.   The music just seemed to come alive. He was always such a sweet and gentle soul and a joy to be around. Both of you have been living models of Faith, Hope, and Love of Our Lord.  Your devotion to the Chaplet of Divine Mercy has inspired Paul and I, as well as many others, to say it daily also.  We love you and are praying for both you and John during this sad and difficult time. 

Always admired you and your artistic abilities. May God be with you. Will miss you 

Rest In Peace my dear friend John a leader of love and faith at our parish St Anthony Mary Claret, Thank You for all your music and gifts of friendship. Birdie love !!! You and John’s family are in my prayers 

Birdie,  I don't know if I can express enough...the sadness in my heart for your loss.  It was my honor & pleasure to have had a chance to meet John...I will forever remember in my heart our friendship....as he would call me...."His brother from another mother ".


Very nice man. Great humor. Always put one at ease.

With great regret Mike and I post that we must let our dear brother-in-law, John, go forward to his heavenly home.  Such a kind, generous, humorous and giving soul is certainly hard to find.  We cherish our relationship and commend him for the good work in so many areas that he left to us.  God bless Birdie and console her in her separation from John.  With much love, Lorraine and Mike Say

John,
“Thank you” for loving JESUS with all your heart and soul, and for inspiring me to grow in my Catholic faith and service to others.  I will cherish each memory of you...our daily lunches at Assumption Seminary; our many attempts to exercise at Woodlawn Lake in the freezing cold and HEAT(ha!); our many trips to Little Flower Basilica to attend Mass and Reconciliation; for being the only one to truly understand my wacky sense of humor!!; for sharing your God-given creative and artistic talent with not only me, but with our CTSA audience; for introducing me to a DSLR camera and patiently teaching me Adobe Photoshop; for being my loyal and faithful prayer partner; for being kind and self-less to strangers; your love for playing the drums!;  your zealous spirit!; for not only being my friend, but also my big brother when I lost mine.  I will genuinely miss you, but I know we will see you again! Thank you for making me a part of your family and inviting me to family dinners!  Rest assured that we will watch over Birdie and Roxi for you!  I know that you are at peace and experiencing an ethereal happiness we will one day come to know.  “May the Heavenly road rise up to meet you, may the wind be at your back.  May the eternal sunshine be warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your lands.  Until we meet again, May God hold you in the palm of HIS hand.”  Love you, (lil’ seester) Michelle :)


Johnny,  I will miss that smiling face of yours. I will miss your undying love for Birdwell. I know that the heavenly father had accepted you into his arms and you are free to be you. Know that l will have my eyes on Bird and I will try to keep her out of as much trouble as I can.  Mary and I will forever keep you and yours in our prayers.

Tom and I were deeply saddened to hear about the passing of John.  We will miss him tremendously and have many fond memories of our friendship.  We are praying for you and wishing you peace.

Love

Tom and Jan Moody

Birdie there are no words to describe the deep soul ties we have shared over the years. John was a true gift of friend, servant and musician. He will be deeply missed at noon Mass.For  the last 22 yrs he has been a powerful part of our worship to God through music. As resurrection people we   know he is home with so many of our loved ones from St Anthony Claret enjoying their eternal home with our Heavenly Father.
Birdie and John thank you for showing us true love through your marriage and through your faith. JESUS WE TRUST IN YOU!

 

I was so blessed to know you John.  I know you are now playing beautiful music in heaven.  Birdie I see your beautiful smile because you know he is in his heavenly kingdom!  Love you, your sister in Christ Margaret🙏

Birdie, please accept my deepest condolences on the loss of your husband,  John. May God give you and your family to get through this sad and difficult time. May eternal rest be granted to John.
Sincerely, 
Shirley Hernandez 

Our thoughts and prayers are with you Birtie and all Matthews family members

As Birtie said the other day. John and Carson shared a special birthday together on June 23rd. Yours in the heavenly home with our Lord
May you rest in peace
The Sandlin's
Carson,Sue, and Brent


John we will miss you at our 12noon Mass on Sundays. You made your musical instrumental so special for all of us. Thank you for sharing your gift of music. May God continue to hold you in His loving arm and enjoy paradise. God and your church family will take care of Birdie. May eternal light shine upon John
May he Rest In Peace


John Matthews was a master percussionist but more than that a great friend who "had my back" when we performed across Texas.. He was one of the kindest person's I have ever met and I'll always remember and miss his great soulfulness and spirit..

May God welcome John into the Light of His face. Please accept our condolences. 
Sincerely,
Valerie & Eddie Garcia

John, 
I thank God for you!  I’ll miss your beautiful soul!  Eternal rest my Brother in Christ!  

 I will truly miss you my “Bubby” Thank you for everything you have done for me in my 60 years of being my awesome brother. My heart is hurting so bad, but I know you are safe and in the Dear Lords arms and he has made you whole again! Until I see you again...I love you, your sister! ❤️ 

Birdie may you feel God's love and comfort surround you in this difficult time. Please know that we are here for you. Norma Diaz

Johnny. . .thank you for the past 42 years and our beautiful roller coaster ride called life.  Through good times and bad, sickness and in health, till death do we part. . .only we have not parted for you will always surround me.  I know God put you right to work in the Paint Department and in charge of sunrises and sunsets. . .you know I would always say, "God sure knows how to use His colors" and now He has another great artist.  Thank you for letting me know your kit was set up when you arrived home and for the thunder (aka your drum rolls) of Monday, 24 June. . .I was very much comforted by that.  So Paint Department and Percussion Patrol. . .you are home in your ministries and all honor and glory belongs to God.  To infinity and beyond!!  Forever, your B'ger.  

OBITUARY

John Franklin Matthews Jr.

July 30, 1953 – June 22, 2019

Sunset Northwest Funeral Home

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