William Matthews Jr.

William Francis Matthews Jr., 91, of Monroe, LA, died peacefully Tuesday, October 13, 2020, with his family at his side after a lengthy illness. He was born July 20,1929 in El Dorado, Arkansas to William F. Matthews Sr. and Montez W. Matthews. A graduate of El Dorado High School, he attended Tulane University in New Orleans where he received a bachelor’s degree in business management. It was also at this time he met and married his sweetheart, Bettina. Shortly thereafter, he served in the US Army, and after his honorable discharge, he returned to help his father who had a construction company in El Dorado. He ultimately received an MBA degree from Louisiana Tech University and spent the remainder of his employment as a bank examiner for the State of Louisiana until his retirement. “Bill” was an enthusiastic golfer over many years and derived much pleasure as a member of Bayou Desiard Country Club, playing in “The Old Man’s Big Game”. Both Bill and “Tina” were avid fishermen stalking large “titty” bream and “slab” crappie in the Ouachita River bottoms of South Arkansas. Bill and Tina remained a happily married and loving couple for 61 years until she preceded him in death on March 26, 2012. He is survived by a daughter, Denise M. Lea and husband, Ken; a son, Dr. William H. Matthews and wife, Lillian; grandchildren, Amber Jeansonne and husband, Scott, Betsy Tabony, Christopher Matthews and wife, Amelie, and Michael Matthews and wife, Taylor; and the seven lights of his life (great grandchildren), Lainey, Saray, and Henry Matthews; Vanessa and Delaney Tabony; Brooks and Layla Jeansonne. We all loved him, and our memories of Bill and Tina will be a joy and blessing. “Only the best dads get promoted to grandpa”. (author unknown). In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to your favorite charity. Arrangements under the care of Ascension Funeral Home. Please visit the online guestbook at www.ascensionfuneral.com.