Joshua Martin Matthews

Joshua Martin Matthews was born on June 3rd, 1980 in San Antonio, TX, the son of Ricky and Velda Sue (Gourd) Matthews. He attended schools in Broken Arrow, Ok. From the time he started kindergarten until the time he graduated, Joshua loved to play sports. He wasn’t particular if it was football or baseball, Joshua, or “Stick” as he was known on the team, was ready to play. Josh loved music. He played in the “Pride” marching band, as well as solo work in Dallas, TX in the philharmonic concert band. He was a versatile musician who played guitar as well. He was proud of his American Native heritage, Cherokee and Mississippi Choctaw, and worked to produce beautiful authentic bead work and design. He was intrigues by cars and what made them run. Josh became very adept at mechanical work on any car. There was nothing better than relaxing for an afternoon of computer games or Wii with his sister, Jessica. Family was the most important part of Josh’s life. He loved his family to come share a laugh or two or something he made in the kitchen. Unfortunately, his life was all too brief. A Christian by faith, Josh was called to his Eternal Home on July 10th, 2014 in Tahlequah, OK. Josh was 34 years old. He will be missed by his loving family and his many friends.

Joshua is preceded in death by grandfather, Sam R. Gourd, grandmothers Ruby McCarty, Frances (Hickman) Aguilar, great grandparents Martin Canoe and Emma (Littledave) Canoe, Looney R. Gourd and Lucinda (Ketcher) Gourd.

Those left to cherish his memory include his loving parents of the home in Hulbert, OK, his grandmother, Lucinda Canoe Gourd also of Hulbert, OK. He leaves one brother Arlo and wife Lynette Matthews of Tulsa, OK, two sisters, Angela and husband Jonathon Jacobs of PA. and Jessica Matthews of the home in Hulbert, OK. He leaves his Aunts, Louanna Plemmons and Emma J. Fox of Salina, OK, Winnie Uhl of MS, Mary Brown and Velma York of AZ.and foster aunt Leticia Orellano. Josh’s cousins include Jeffrey, Travis, and Charles Plemmons of Salina, OK, Michael and wife Candy Gifford of Tahlequah, OK, Jeannie and husband Jason Watkins of CA, nieces and nephews Cheyenne and Tyanna Jacobs, Keilah Matthews, Faith, Payton, and Emalee Watkins, Christian, Cash and Chaylea Gifford, as well as many more cousins, friends and a host of loved ones.