Russell Wayne Matthews
Mount Independence
Russell Wayne Matthews, of Mount Independence, passed away Saturday, November 7, 2026, just 10 days shy of his 82nd birthday. He was born November 17, 1944, the youngest son of six to the late Walter Matthews, Sr. and Mary Ellen Welsh Matthews McNutt. He was the last surviving member of his immediate family.
Uncle Russ had various jobs over the years, including working with his brother, Junior, as an aide with Concerned of Pennsylvania helping high school students construct homes for lower-income families. His primary work and the work from which he retired, however, was as a heavy equipment operator with A. C. Moyer Company as well as other like firms, and also worked independently. He always owned and maintained a commercial backhoe, which he referred to as his “toy.” He was a member of Union Local 66.
Uncle Russ enjoyed sharing stories of his early life, growing up, and reminiscing about people and happenings in the local community. He also enjoyed watching old Westerns and classic television shows from the ’50s and ’60s.
He kept his guardian angel well-occupied as he survived many brushes with death over the years. Regardless of his personal jeopardies, he never caused harm to anyone, and by all who knew him, Uncle Russ was well-respected as a straight-talker and a decent, hardworking man. He will be sadly missed by his family and wide circle of friends.
He is survived by a sister-in-law, Shirley J. Matthews of Mount Independence; nieces and nephews: Timothy L. (Lori) Matthews of Uniontown, who greatly assisted him over many decades; Darcia L. Klippi of Mount Independence; James V. Matthews of Washington, DC; Susan J. Matthews of Mount Independence, who ran errands and made sure he always had the groceries he needed; Gerald D. (Lori) Matthews of Washington; Gregory D. (Maria) Matthews of Plum Boro; Emmett D. Matthews of Tucson, Ariz.; David L. (Elizabeth) Matthews of Hudson, N.H.; 16 great- nieces and great- nephews; eight great- great-nieces and great- great-nephews; and very good friends, Eddie and Amy Sokol, who visited frequently, often providing hot meals.
In addition to his parents, he was predeceased by his five brothers, Harford “Dale” (Gail), Charles “Ted” (Wanda), Walter “Junior,” Emmett (Mary Jane), Harry, who died when he was a toddler; a nephew, Theodore W. Matthews, a niece through marriage, Glenda J. Matthews, a nephew through marriage, Martin Klippi; stepfather, Fred McNutt; and very close friend, Floyd York.
Friends will be received at BURHANS- CROUSE FUNERAL HOME, 28 Connellsville Street, Dunbar, Wednesday, November 11, from 3 to 7 p.m., and Thursday, November 12, from 10 to 11 a.m., the hour of service, with Pastor Travis Edgar officiating.
Interment to follow in the Zaring-Matthews Cemetery, Mount Independence.
Condolences for the family may be left at www.burhanscrousefuneralhome.com or on the funeral home’s Facebook page, @burhanscrouse.