Darrell Stanley Matthews

Darrell Stanley Matthews March 10, 1941 – August 13, 2026 Darrell Stanley Matthews, 85, of Gahanna, Ohio, passed away peacefully at home on Thursday, August 13, 2026, surrounded by his family and holding the hand of his beloved wife of 62 years, Juanita Gray Matthews. After a long and remarkable life, Darrell went home to be with the Lord, leaving behind a lifetime of love, memories, and the many lives he touched along the way. Born March 10, 1941, in Gallipolis, Ohio, Darrell was the son of Stanley and Mamie Matthews. From an early age, he was a hard worker and a man who took pride in doing things well. As a boy, he worked as a dispatch carrier and later worked in a hobby shop—early signs of the curiosity, mechanical ability, and determination that would become such a defining part of his life. Darrell was an auto body repair extraordinaire, a small business owner, and a true Mr. Fix-It. There was very little he couldn't figure out, repair, restore, or make better. He was a perfectionist by nature, and when Darrell put his hands on something, he wanted it done right. He worked on classic cars, repaired golf clubs, and spent countless hours on the hobbies and projects that brought him joy. He was a collector, a hobbyist, and a man who could turn an ordinary object into something worth keeping. An outdoorsman at heart, Darrell loved hunting, fishing, golf, and shooting sports. He appreciated the outdoors, the satisfaction of working with his hands, and the simple pleasure of pursuing the things he loved. He was happiest when he was busy, learning something, fixing something, or sharing his interests with the people he loved. But more than any hobby or accomplishment, Darrell's greatest pride was his family. He was a provider in every sense of the word—a dependable man who worked hard and made sure the people he loved were cared for. He was loyal, dedicated, and steadfast. His word meant something. If Darrell said he would do something, you could count on him to do it. He loved deeply, even when he didn't always say it with words, and his family knew they could always depend on him. Darrell and Juanita shared 62 years of marriage, building a life together filled with family, hard work, laughter, challenges, accomplishments, and countless memories. Their love and devotion to one another remained strong throughout their life together and was beautifully evident in his final moments, when Darrell peacefully passed away at home holding Juanita's hand with his family gathered around him. He will be deeply missed by his wife, Juanita Gray Matthews; his son, Michael Matthews; his daughter, Kim Matthews; his granddaughter, Chloe Matthews; and his beloved pets, Buttercup, Eevee, and Bruno. He is also survived by his brother, Randy Matthews, as well as several nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews, along with many others who were fortunate enough to know and love him. In addition to his parents, Stanley and Mamie Matthews, Darrell was preceded in death by his brother, Carl Matthews, and sister, Sandra Matthews Coleman. Darrell leaves behind much more than memories. He leaves behind the things he taught his family, the work of his hands, the stories that will continue to be told, and the example of a man who spent his life taking care of the people and things that mattered most to him. His family finds comfort knowing that Darrell is now at peace and has gone home to be with the Lord. While our hearts are broken by his absence, we hold tightly to the promise that this goodbye is not forever. We will see him again in eternity. Funeral services will be held Thursday, August 20, at 11:30 a.m. at Forest Lawn Chapel. Interment will immediately follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery. Immediately following ceremony everyone is invited to gather at 1:30 p.m. at Signatures in Gahanna for food, fellowship, and a celebration of Darrell's life. Rather than saying goodbye, we will celebrate the life he lived, the family he loved, and the legacy he leaves behind. Rest peacefully, Dad. Your work here is finished. You are home. Until we see you again.

Darrell Stanley Matthews

March 10, 1941 - August 13, 2026