Jimmie L. Matthew

Jimmie L. Matthew, 82, of Exeter, passed away Saturday, Dec. 4, 2021.
Matthew was born on Nov. 11, 1939 in Colorado City, Texas, son of the late Otis L. Matthew and Dessie (Cooper) Matthew. As a young boy, his family moved from Texas to southwest Missouri to make their home. He attended Purdy Schools until his senior year when the family moved to Exeter. He graduated from Exeter High School with the class of 1958. Following his graduation, Matthew enlisted in the United States Navy, serving his country honorably until 1963. Once returning home, he began a 15-year career at Jumping Jack Shoes. He was later one of the first employees at Justin Boot in Cassville, working there until 1989. Following his retirement, Matthew enjoyed working on his farm.
He also served many years as a firefighter. In 1967, Matthew, James Hargis and Dave Smith were able to re-organize the Exeter Fire Department, after it had been closed for several years. During his time with the department, Matthew was fire chief for over 15 years.
On May 14, 1960, Matthew married Marlene Packwood. To this union, they had two children. Marlene preceded Matthew in death on Nov. 12, 1992. On Nov. 9, 2002, he was united in marriage to Pattie Riester at St. Edward’s Catholic Church in Cassville. 
Matthew is survived by his wife Pattie, of the home; one daughter, Tammy Ennis (Jerry), of Exeter; one son, Greg Matthew (Kristi), of Cassville; five grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; two step-daughters, Becky Nye and Teresa Sanders; two step-sons, Ed Riester and Phil Riester; as well as a host of extended family and friends.
Matthew was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Marlene; and one brother, Eugene Matthew.
Funeral services were held at 3 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021 at First Baptist Church in Cassville. Interment and military honors followed at Maplewood Cemetery, Exeter. The family received friends at the church from 1:30 p.m. until service time on Sunday. Friends paid their respects from 9-3 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.  Memorial contributions have been suggested to Haven of the Ozarks or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital in care of the funeral. Online condolences can be made at www.buchananfuneralhomemonett.com. Arrangements have been entrusted to Buchanan Funeral Home, Monett.