Donald Joe Matthews

Donald Joe Matthews, age 69, passed away on February 3, 2026, in Fairbury, Nebraska. He was born on December 23, 1956, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to Earl and Elizabeth (Hartley) Matthews.

He attended school until the age of 16. He later worked in construction and briefly served in the National Guard before being medically discharged.

Throughout his life, Donald enjoyed a variety of interests. From hunting and fishing in his youth to immersing himself in video games in his later years, he always found a way to enjoy life.

Donald is survived by his sisters, Sharlet Ballman and Diane Oden, both of Fairbury, Nebraska; his brother, James Matthews of Doniphan, Missouri; and many nieces and nephews, including great and great-great nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Earl and Elizabeth (Hartley) Matthews, and his sister, Peggy Swinmann.

A Celebration of Life will be held in the spring at a later date.

Memorials are requested to the family to assist with expenses and may be mailed in care of Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 15, Fairbury, Nebraska 68352.