David Matthews Obituary

David Grant Matthews, 81, a lifelong Delaware, Ohio resident passed away on July 3, 2025 at the Meadows of Marion after a lengthy battle with congestive heart failure. He was born on August 19, 1943, in Delaware, Ohio and raised (adopted) by Frances P. and Goldie M. (Rittenhouse) Matthews. David graduated from Willis High School in 1961.
Before David's tenure at the police department, he was employed by the Delaware Gazette and worked as a lifeguard at Eckels Lake. David joined the Delaware Police Department on January 11, 1969, where he worked as a patrol officer for six years. Due to his strong investigative skills, he was promoted to Detective on May 30, 1975. In September 1979, Detective Matthews completed a six-week polygraph course in New York City, becoming the first polygraph operator in Delaware, Ohio. Additionally, he served as an instructor in crisis intervention related to sex crimes. David retired from the Delaware Police Department on January 25, 1994. David was a longtime member of the Fraternal Order of Police and the FOP Ohio Labor Council, Inc. David loved fishing since early childhood, played Texas Hold'em online and with friends, was an avid bowler for many years, and his favorite pastime was heading to Las Vegas or Atlantic City with friends and his former spouse/best friend, Jeanne Matthews.
David is survived by his children, Mary (Thomas) Graves of Columbia City, Indiana, Christy (Tom) Stein of Ft. Wayne, Indiana, and Melissa (Brent) Shouse of Gravois Mills, Missouri; grandchildren Christopher Ulrey, Joshua Ulrey, Cassandra Ulrey, Cailee (Brocton) Rye, Brandon (Abby) Karrer, Nicole (Chris) Bogner, Thomas Stein, Joseph Matthews, Justin Matthews, and Rachel Graves; great-grandchildren Aaliyah Joiner, Cristin Ulrey, Braydon Ulrey, Isabella "Ellie" Rye, Silas Driscoll, Oliver Ulrey, Brocton Rye, Michael Rye, Cameron Karrer, Dakota Karrer, Melanie Bogner, Christian Ulrey, and Vincent Stein.
David was preceded in death by his parents and his son, Michael David Matthews.
Cremation has taken place per David's wishes; a private ceremony will be held at a later date.
Memorial contributions can be made to FOP of Ohio Foundation, 222 East Town Street, Columbus, Ohio 43215, in David's honor.
The Snyder Funeral Center, Delaware Chapel is honored to serve the Matthews family.
To share a fond memory of David or to offer condolences to his family, please visit www.snyderfuneralhomes.com
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