Joseph Leonard Matthews

Joseph Leonard Matthews, 54, of Haughton, Louisiana, died Thursday January 28th, 2016 at CHRISTUS Grace Home hospice center in Shreveport, Louisiana due to complications arising from an advanced form of colon cancer. Joseph or ""Joe"" to some, but known as Leonard to most, was born October 25, 1961 to Willie-John and Gladys Matthews. Born at home on the bayou, he was the 5th of seven children, a red-headed country boy that would go on to father 5 children of his own. Most of his years growing up were spent living the typical life of a young man born in the south: hunting, fishing, and occasionally causing a little trouble with his younger brother. Eventually he would move off to Texas for work, and it is here that he would meet the mother of his children. ""My Five"" as he would so affectionately refer to his children were the source of his pride and the target of his enormous affections. In December of '85 they had the first, and before October of ‘91 they had four more. Four boys, and one girl conveniently placed in the middle of the pack. Joe enjoyed NASCAR, deer hunting, his family, but above everything else was his children and new crop of grandchildren. He was a bit of a goofy man with a soft side. His demeanor had a way of masking his true wisdom, which would often show as his speech would slow and his voice got lower. Always ready to offer a hand or solicit advice, often times without being asked. He was a true handy-man in both a physical and emotional sense. He is sorely missed. Please join us in celebrating the life of this loving friend, brother, son, father, and grandfather. Memorial service details are below: Frierson Baptist Church 299 East St Frierson, LA 71027 2:00PM on Saturday February 13th * The family and friends would like to extend our gratitude to the staff at CHRISTUS Grace Home in Shreveport, Louisiana. During Leonard's final days he was in an immense amount of pain. This facility provided a tranquil atmosphere for family and friends to gather while also providing him with relief from the pain associated with the cancer. Without their kindness and professionalism, his final days would have been much harder on everyone involved.