George T. Matthews

George Thomas Matthews of North Canton, Ohio went to be with his Lord, on Friday, September 16th, 2022, surrounded by his dearly loved family. George was born on March 9th, 1935, in Muskegon, Michigan to Frank and Emily (Herron) Matthews. He was a 1952 graduate of Muskegon Heights High School.

He attended Michigan Technological University in Houghton Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, graduating in 1956 with a bachelor’s degree in Metallurgical Engineering. After accepting a position at the Timken Company, he left his beloved state of Michigan moving to Canton, Ohio with a diploma and $50 in his pocket.

George continued his education at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in Cambridge, near Boston, from 1971-1972 completing the Advanced Engineering Study Program. During this year, the family traveled throughout the New England region enjoying the rich history and many events available in the area. He then attended Case Western Reserve University completing his master’s degree in Metallurgy and Materials Science in 1979.

George spent 41 years and 10 months at the Timken Company. He held several titles during his tenure at Timken. From 1956 to 1977 he was a Mill Metallurgist, 1977 to 1982 he was the Chief Metallurgical Engineer, 1982 to 1986 he was the Manager Technical Services Steel Project Team. This team planned and constructed the Faircrest Steel Plant. From 1986 to 1992 George was the Chief Engineer-Process Engineering-Steel, from 1992 to 1998 he was General Manager Metallurgical Quality Engineering-Steel.

George and Dorothy Ellen Herbst were married in Muskegon on November 26th, 1955, celebrating 56 years together before her passing in 2012. George is survived by his son Jeffrey (Heidi) Matthews, his daughter Sherry (Chris) Callahan, five grandchildren: Brian Kneeland, Heath Smith, Keely Smith, Emily (John) Hyde, and Sarah Matthews, and was blessed with four great-grandchildren: Matthew, Carolynn, Jane, and Emilia Hyde. In addition to Dorothy, he was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Billie Radtke.

George was a charter member of the Church of the Covenant in Canton where he served as a deacon. He was an avid sports fan. He was a coach for the YMCA church basketball league, a Senior Division Little League baseball manager in the Timken Recreational Park League. George played basketball, volleyball and fumbleball for the Met Lab at Timken. He also loved fishing, traveling, and walking in the park.

George’s fondest memories included holidays at his daughter Sherry’s home where the entire family and many friends gathered. He said many times that he was so blessed. He also fondly remembered fishing trips to Alaska and trips to Lakeland Florida to see the Detroit Tigers spring training games. George also cheered on the University of Michigan’s football and basketball teams.

At George’s request there will be no formal services. He will be buried at the Norton Cemetery in Norton Shores, Michigan where the sands of Michigan glisten in the sunlight. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Crossroads Hospice Foundation or to the Greater East Ohio Area Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

George’s family would like to thank the staff at Windsor Medical Center, Home Helpers of Canton, and Crossroads Hospice. We will be forever grateful for the wonderful care you provided for George. Arrangements are lovingly provided by Arnold Funeral Home, Canton.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George T. Matthews, please visit our floral store.