June 19, 1928 ~ July 2, 2012

Kaplan—Funeral services will be held Saturday, July 07, 2012 at 2 p.m. at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan honoring the life of Joseph Weston Matthew, 84, who passed away in his home, surrounded by his wife, family, and friends on Monday, July 2, 2012. He will be laid to rest at Cossinade Cemetery with Deacon David Vaughn officiating the services.

Wes joined the United States Army on August 2, 1945. He then joined the 82nd Airborne at Fort Bragg. He received his Jumpmaster Wings, then trained elite troopers in North Carolina. He served in Korea, then went to Germany. SGT Matthew was in the Atomic Air Blast on May 10, 1952, in Frenchman Flat in Reno, Nevada.

In 1958, he was honorably discharged from the United States Army and joined the United States Air Force. He was promoted to MSGT and went to Schilling Air Force in Salina, Kansas. He was later assigned to LSU Aerospace Studies Department in Baton Rouge, Louisiana and instructed the ROTC program.

MSGT Matthew has four (4) Honorable Army discharges, two (2) Honorable Air Force discharges, retirement certificate, several commendation medals, many extension course institute certificates, good conduct medals and certificates, certificates and letters of outstanding performances, leadership schools, border legionnaire, merit certificates, airman achievement awards, several certificates for air force training, infantry school, basic airborne course and numerous commendation letters from commanders and other prestigious people such as the President of the United States of America.

Wes enjoyed working on his crawfish farm, gardening, fishing, helping friends, and Cajun dancing. He loved his Cajun culture!

Wes was born to Lionel and Rhea Matthew on June 19, 1928. His siblings were Louella, Cecile, and Lanence.

He is survived by his loving and caring wife of 16 years, Peggy Bertrand Matthew of Grand Chenier, Louisiana; three children; five stepchildren; and numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren.

The family requests that visiting hours be observed at Vincent Funeral Home - Kaplan, 300 N. Eleazar Avenue, on Saturday, July 07, from 10 a.m. until services with a rosary being prayed at 11 a.m.

All funeral arrangements are being conducted by Vincent Funeral Home of Kaplan, (337) 643-7276 [Service Information 225-5276]. Condolences may be sent to the Matthew family at www.vincentfuneralhome.net.