Thearn Matthews

Thearn Matthews, 91, of Walla Walla passed on May 1, 2012.

He is survived by his “bride” of 68 years, Virginia Patton Matthews. They were married September 28, 1943; two sons & daughters-in-law, Ron & Elaine Matthews of Walla Walla as well as Doug & Bobbie Matthews of Eagle, ID; grandchildren, Greg Matthews (& Jackson) of Clarkston, WA; Becky Drumheller (& Matt) of Ilwaco, WA, Kristi Matthews of Walla Walla, WA, Amy Gonzalez (& Roberto) of Star, ID and great grandchildren, Lilly & Josh Drumheller, Shaylee Winn & Jake Streck, Gracey, Robby & Gabriella Gonzalez.

Thearn graduated from Ephrata High School in 1938. He went on to graduate from Kinman Business School, as well as Gonzaga University and Eastern Washington College (University).

For over 30 years, Thearn was employed by the State of Washington as a Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor. During his career, he estimated that he helped return over 1000 mentally and physically challenged people to the work force. Having been a personal survivor of childhood Polio, it was his life’s ambition to “turn” challenged people from being wards of the state into tax-paying, successful, productive people. He said, “They have a right and responsibility to work just like anybody else.”

In addition to his professional work, he served on the Board of Directors for Goodwill Industries; also past chairman of the Walla Walla Community Service Council. He held several offices in Little League Baseball, Kiwanis, United Fund, and Central Christian Church where he was an active member for 64 loving and reverent years holding Elder & Deacon positions.

A self-confessed “baseball nut,” he has watched baseball all of his life, with a special love for the “little leaguers.” His passion found him watching ‘major leaguers’ in the spring training and he attended several World Series games. He had the great thrill of being seated next to Frank Sinatra during one of those games in St. Louis.

We’ll all miss his great sense of humor and ever-present smile. He never knew a stranger, particularly at a ball game.

Our family wants to thank his “caregivers” for all their love & support. We also thank Hospice for their care.

A private burial will precede the memorial funeral service which will be held at Central Christian Church in Walla Walla on Friday, May 11, 2012 at 1:00 PM. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, Walla Walla Valley Little League or Central Christian Church through the Herring Groseclose Funeral Home, 315 W. Alder, Walla Walla, WA.