Rillon O.D. Matthews March 15, 1946 - January 17, 2018

Rillon O.D. Matthews Jr., age 71 of Sparta, Missouri peacefully passed away January 17, 2018, surrounded by his family and loved ones. O. D. was born March 15, 1946, in Great Bend, Kansas, the second child and oldest son of Rillon and Florence Matthews. As a young man, O.D. proudly served his country in the United States Navy during the Vietnam War and had a deep love for his country that he carried throughout his life. In 1968 he married his first wife, Carol. This marriage would lead to one of his greatest sources of pride — sons Jamee and Shane. During this time, O.D. worked several years for Zenith in Springfield, Missouri, where he met his future wife, and love of his life, Karlene. O.D. was an avid fisherman, hunter, and outdoorsman. A book could be compiled of the laughs, ornery tricks and great memories that took place on family fishing trips or rendezvous with his buddies. O.D. was also a stock car racing fanatic. Until his health limited his mobility, he loved traveling the country to attend different NASCAR events. But among all of O.D.’s hobbies, his favorite was his grandchildren. He was a very involved, loving grandfather who had great pride in all of his grandchildren. For those that were fortunate enough to know O.D., he would rank among the kindest, most genuine and sincere men that they met. He would gladly give the shirt off his back to help a friend. He was a selfless man, always prepared to sacrifice for his country, his friends, and his family. O.D. was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Priscilla; brother, Roger; and son, Jamee. He is survived by his wife, Karlene; son, Shane; step-son, Jeremy; grandsons Jimmy, Scotty, Seth, and Slader; grand-daughters Bailee, Riley, and Taylor; brothers Sam, Darrel, and Marty; three great-grandchildren; many caring friends and other family. Visitation will be 6:00 to 7:00 P.M., Friday, January 19, 2018 with Masonic Services starting at 7:00 P.M. in Barnes Family Funeral Home in Ozark. Graveside funeral services with full military honors will be 1:00 P.M., Saturday, January 20, 2018 in Mount Pisgah Cemetery, Strafford, MO. Online condolences may be shared at www.barnesfamilyfunerals.com