Leon Phillip Matthews was born in Paducah, Kentucky on March 12, 1941. He was the youngest of ten children born to Leslie Matthews and Lettie (Vinegar) Matthews. On October 26, 2020. Leon passed at the home where he was born on Pool Road. His niece, Jenise Jones, was attending him when he made his transition from this life to eternity.

Leon's religious life began at an early age and continued throughout his life. He accepted Christ and united with the Rocky Ford Missionary Baptist Church on Pool Road when he was a child. He actively participated in Sunday School and served on the Usher Board. Upon moving to Cincinnati, he became a member of St. Mary Baptist Church and served on the Deacon Board for 15 years, and was chairman of the Deacon Board for two years. When returning home after retirement, he reunited with Rocky Ford Baptist Church.

Leon completed his elementary education at Union Station Elementary School, a Rosenwald School, located off Pool Road and he attended Lincoln High School in Paducah.

Leon was a daring man who had a passion for being well dressed and wearing "good smelling" fragrances. He had many interests including, fishing, hunting, barbecuing, his hunting dogs, and taking risks.   As a young adult, Leon and Hazel Whitfield reared one child, Marchelle.  Later, Leon married Lillie Mae and to this union a son, Calvin was born.

In 1970, Leon moved to Cincinnati, Ohio where he resided for 50 years and was employed as a Heavy-Duty Equipment Operator. After Leon retired, he moved back home to Paducah because he had a burning desire to refurbishment the homestead on Pool Road and spent most of his time restoring until his health failed.

Leon was preceded in death by his wife, Louise Matthews; both parents Leslie and Lettie Matthews; three sisters, Ellee Peoples, Allie Johnson, Letticia Townsley; five brothers: Harry, Tunny, Leslie Jr., Clarence, and Lester David.

He leaves to cherish his memory: his sister, Dr. Lottie Lecian of Phoenix, AZ; Calvin Matthews of Hickory N.C., Joyce (Marcus Jones) Marchelle Farley, Cincinnati, Ohio; cousin Gloria Gholston of Louisville, KY; one sister-in-law, Ocie Dance of Paducah, KY, Joyce O. Farley and Jermain Tandy, Jr., his special friend, Mary Patton and a host of other family and friends.

Funeral services are scheduled for Saturday, November 7, 2020, 2:00 p.m., at Pettus-Rowland Funeral Home with Rev. Gregory Williams and Rev. Edward R. Byers officiating.

Friends may also call at the funeral home on Saturday from 1:00 p.m. until the funeral hour.

You may light a candle or leave online condolences at pettusrowlandfh.com