Stephen "Steve" Philip Matthews

Steve Matthews, longtime Seminole, Oklahoma resident, passed away October 7, 2022, at his home. He was born March 17, 1949, in Effingham-Clay, Illinois to Winifred (Winnie) and Henrietta Matthews.

Steve attended Seminole Public Schools and graduated from Seminole High School in 1967. From there, he attended East Central University graduating in 1975 with a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting. He later received an MBA for Financial Professionals from Harvard University. His life’s work was 38 years spent in government relations at local, state and federal government levels. He was in the process of writing a book regarding the history of Seminole.

Steve is survived by his beloved nephew Byron Matthews and his wife Cheryl, his deceased nephew Jesse’s children, Lincoln and Sela, cousin Debrah Phillips and husband David T, Stacy Pearce and partner Bryan Irwin, cousin Randy Pearce his step-children, Heather Michelle Dorantes and William Joseph Frank and his former sister-in-law Regina Pereira (Mark's wife and Byron's mother). He is also survived by several aunts and numerous cousins. He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Mark and his son Jesse, sister Janice, brother Brent and the love of his life, his wife Marsha.

To quote Steve: “An intelligent man will open your mind, a handsome man will open your eyes and a gentle man will open your heart. Being intelligent and handsome are God given. What about being gentle? I try to be gentle, considerate and empathic. I also pray for wisdom. I do that so I can impart His wisdom to those who need it. They are lofty goals, but they are worth pursuing.”

And now, Steve would probably say, “Ok, darlin’, that’s enough for now”.

A cremation graveside service for Steve will be at 2:00 P.M., Thursday, November 10, 2022, at Maple Grove Cemetery in Seminole, Oklahoma, with Carl Whitfield officiating.

Arrangements are under the direction of Swearingen Funeral Home in Seminole, Oklahoma.