Theo "Elwin" Matthews

Theo "Elwin" Matthews, age 79, died peacefully on Wednesday, November 1, 2017. He was born March 31, 1938 in Fort Meade, Florida, the son of Theo Oscar and Vera Matthews. He was a Lakeland resident for 57 years. Elwin is survived by his wife of 43 years Barbara May Matthews; his daughters Teri Kortum (Dale), Toni Albritton (Bill), and Tina Waters; his step sons Paul Baker Jr. and Robert Baker; his brother-in-law Jerry West, his nephews Robert and Keith West; his grandchildren Kurtis Bennett, Shawn Whitehurst, Derrick Bennett, Shane Waters, Erik Kortum, Kyle Kortum, Shannon Owens, Karissa Kortum, Todd Lockwood, Brandy Lambert (Shannon), Morgan Baker (Jared Kedzuf), and Tiffanie Callahan; his great grandchildren Brandon Lambert, Tyler Lambert, Dylan Lambert, Mason Kedzuf, Jasper Callahan, Landon Kerans, Kyra Bennett, Cloee Tosti, and Gavin Cannoy. Elwin was preceded in death by his son, Todd Matthews, father, Theo Oscar Matthews, mother, Vera Matthews, and sister, Sara West. Elwin was a hard-working and kind husband, father, grandfather and friend. He was a successful Dental Technician and business owner of Schley’s Dental Laboratory for over 30 years. He had a great passion for fishing, boating, and watching car races. Elwin will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him. Private services will be held in Fort Meade at a later date. Memorial donations in lieu of flowers may be made to the Paralyzed Veterans of America, www.pva.org or the Wounded Warriors Project, www.woundedwarriorproject.org. Condolences to the family at www.WhiddenMcLeanfuneralhome.com