Charles Robert “Bob” Matthews was born Feb. 18, 1913, in Des Moines, Iowa, (Polk County) to Frederick Benjamin and Elizabeth (Henning) Matthews. Bob graduated from North High School in Des Moines.

He married Janet Elizabeth Trusler July 3, 1938, in Des Moines, Iowa. Two sons and two daughters were born to them: Barbara (Edwin) Krekow, Robert E. Matthews (Marilyn), James D. Matthews (Mary), and Mary (Roland) Isaacson. They have 12 grandchildren and many great-grandchildren. They lived on their family farm north of Ira until moving to Newton in their later years; then he resided with Max Butler until moving into the Baxter Health Care Center where he and Janet shared a room.

Bob was preceded in death by his father, mother and brother, John, and sister, Elizabeth Naomi Mathews. He leaves his wife, Janet; his four children; 12 grandchildren; many great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews.