Austin Matthews

Mr. Austin W. "Matt" Matthews, age 62, of Ocean Springs, MS., left this world to be with his Lord on Tuesday, December 13, 2005, at his home in Ocean Springs. Austin, known to his friends and loved ones as "Matt" was married to the former Helen Marie Branstetter, daughter of Henry and Wanda Branstetter of Gulfport. He was a resident of the community for over 40 years and was a member of Latimer Assembly of God Church. Matt served in the Air Force with a rank of E-4. He retired after a long career with Cable One, formerly known as United Artist, formerly GE and TCI. He was a volunteer fireman for the Fort Bayou Fire Department at the time of his death. Prior to his service with the Fort Bayou Fire Department, he was the Chief of the Latimer Volunteer Fire Department. He was preceded in death by his parents, William and Pearl Matthews and a sister, Deanna Lucas. Matt and Helen were married for 26 years and were blessed with three beautiful daughters, Tracie (Robert) Butts of Petal, MS., Shelly Marie Matthews of Ocean Springs, MS., and Joyce Marie Matthews of Gulfport, MS., six sisters, Phyllis Hinkle, Linda Ayers, Hattie Ballance, Fern Richards, Cindy Richards, and Nancy Chester, a brother, Kent Mathew and four grandchildren, Lauren Adkins, Joseph Balius, Austin Balius and Gavin Butts. Visitation will be on Thursday, December 15, 2005, from 5-9 PM at the Ocean Springs Chapel of Bradford O'Keefe Funeral Home. On Friday, December 16, 2005, there will be a 1:30 PM chapel service in the funeral home. Burial will follow in Biloxi National Cemetery. View and sign register book at www.bradfordokeefe.com.