Larry Howard Matthews, 79, passed away early Monday morning, March 7, at his home in St. George, Utah. He was a husband, father, brother, brother-in-law, son, teacher and coach.
He was born on Oct. 1, 1942, in his Grandpa Craner’s bedroom in Burley, Idaho, to Howard Allen Matthews and Rada Laura Craner. He received his elementary through high school education in several places: Rupert, Idaho; Anchorage, Alaska; Juneau, Alaska; and Alexandria, Virginia. He graduated from Utah State University and earned a master’s degree from Brigham Young University.
Larry spent a lifetime as an educator — teacher, coach and principal. He worked in the states of Idaho, Colorado, Utah, Oregon and Wyoming, totaling 39 years in education. He loved coaching basketball and teaching skills to high school and middle school students, boys and girls. He had many championship teams over the years. Larry is one of the kind!
Larry was married to Alayne Gayle Hammond Matthews on July 11, 1977. Their loving relationship lasted nearly 45 years on this earth. They retired in St. George, Utah, in 2010. Larry’s hobbies include golfing, gardening and traveling. He served many positions in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, including teacher, executive secretary, quorum leader, high council, bishopric and greeter — a favorite.
He is survived by his wife, Alayne; and children: Julie Schow (Einar), Alpine, Utah; Michele Coffey (David), Danville, Virginia; Tricia Holden, Sandy, Utah; Melissa Schrade (Jon), Pocatello, Idaho; Shane Holden (Lori), Ammon, Idaho; Amber Lil Matthews-Snow, Reno, Nevada. Also surviving are 20 grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and one brother, Kent Matthews, Salt Lake City. He is preceded in death by a son, Michael John Matthews; and his parents.
Funeral services will be held at 1 p.m. Tuesday, March 15, at Bloomington Stake Center, 200 West Brigham Road., St. George, Utah. Visitation was held from 6-8 p.m. Monday, March 14, at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd., and Tuesday, prior to services, from noon to 12:40 p.m. at the stake center. Interment will be in Tonaquint Cemetery, 1777 South Dixie Drive, St. George, Utah.
Those who are unable to attend are invited to view the service from this Zoom Link: https://zoom.us/j/9211317575819.
Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary. Please visit our website at www.metcalfmortuary.com for condolences, complete obituary and funeral listings.
