Stewart Waddell Matter's Obituary
Stewart Waddell Matter, 83, of Fort Myers, FL, passed away peacefully on February 2nd, 2015 at his home in Fiddlesticks Country Club. Stewart was born April 30, 1931 in Big Rapids, MI, the son of Oliver and Ilah (Waddell) Matter. Stewart was a member of the United States Marine Corps and a veteran of the Korean War. After returning from the war and while studying at Indiana University he married his high school sweetheart, Shirley Ruby of Fort Wayne, Indiana on May 24th 1952. In death, Stewart is rejoined with Shirley, the love of his life, who passed on October 16h, 1994. Upon Graduating from Indiana University in 1955, Stewart went to work for Simmons Mattress Company. He then decided to open his first retail furniture store, Wayne-Stewart Furniture in Ft. Wayne Indiana in 1958. He and his family lived in Fort Wayne, Indiana until 1977 when he decided to move to Ft. Myers, Florida. He and Shirley then founded what is now known as Matter Brothers Furniture on the west coast of Florida. Stewart loved living in the Ft. Myers community. He enjoyed afternoon cocktail hour with his wife Shirley. He loved playing golf and gin rummy with his friends at the country club. Stewart was known for his colorful jokes, sharp mind, quick wit, and always telling it like it is! He loved music, watching golf and football. Stewart was a man that truly had zest for life and loved his family with all of his heart. Stewart Matter is survived by his children: Pam (Matter) McCord and her husband Mike of Louisville, KY; Stewart W. Matter II, of Naples, FL; David Matter of Estero, FL; Tom Matter and his wife Lynn of Palm Harbor, FL; John Matter of Siesta Key, FL; Gary Matter and his wife Susan of Fort Myers, FL. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Brian, John and Adam McCord, Kara Tate, Amy Book, Christopher, Kristin, Jennifer, Stewart III, Tom Jr., Katherine, Kimberly, Michael, Katy, and Timmy Matter, and great-grandchild, Maddox Book. Stewart also leaves behind his companion of many years, Pansy Metzger, and his two dogs, Herbie and Charlie. Stewart is preceded in death by his sister Adelee Chester, and is survived by his sisters Charlene Pettit-Diddier, Mary Davison and Leanne Spurr, all residing in Ft. Wayne Indiana. The funeral services will be held on Saturday February 7th at 11:00am at McGregor Baptist Church located at 3750 Colonial Blvd. Fort Myers, FL 33966. Visitation will be held from 10:00 am . The burial will follow at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Because of his love for animals, In lieu of flowers, Stewarts Matter’s family would appreciate donations to the Gulf Coast Humane Society. http://www.gulfcoasthumanesociety.org Condolences may be left to the family at www.fortmyersmemorial.com.
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