WAREHAM – Kenneth M. Matthews, 90, of West Wareham, died Saturday, January 20, 2024 at Tobey Hospital in Wareham.  He was the husband of the late Irene A. (Fonseca) Matthews.

Born in Wareham, he was the son of the late Benjamin and Mary (Merrill) Matthews.  He graduated from Wareham High School, and then served in the U.S. Navy from 1951 to 1954.  He was assigned to the submarine rescue ship, USS Skylark (ASR-20).

After his Navy service, Mr. Matthews owned KM Construction and also worked on Boston’s “Big Dig” central artery project.  He also worked in railroad construction.

He was a member of the George H. Taber Masonic Lodge in Fairhaven, and enjoyed collecting cars and motorcycles.  Ken was sober for over 50 years and a “Friend of Bill W”.  He ran a sober house and spent countless hours helping individuals with their sobriety.

Survivors include his children, Kerwin Matthews of Taunton, Kenneth M. Matthews, Jr. of Wareham, John B. Matthews of New Bedford, Lisa Ferro of Hubbardston, Keith Matthews of Marion, Steven Matthews of Providence, RI, and Kelsey Matthews of W. Wareham; his sister, Harriet Matthews Mendes of New Bedford; his grandchildren, Paige Matthews, Keith Saris, Stephen Atwell, Lorenzo Atwell, Sonia Atwell, Nina Rose Matthews, Anthony William Matthews, Joaquin Merrill Matthews, Nathaniel Robert Matthews, John Matthews, Jr., Jordan Charboneau, Kevin Matthews, Danielle Matthews, Charlotte Ferro, Nicole Matthews, Benjamin Matthews and Julianne Matthews; his great grandchildren, Natalya Rose Martin, Nora Rose Martin, Miles Benjamin Matthews, Anthony William Matthews, Jr., Jackson Dale Matthews, Joseph Matthews, Addison Matthews and Annalaya Matthews.  Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.  He was predeceased by his children, the late Kevin Matthews and Renee Elder; and his brothers, the late Billy Matthews and Carle Matthews, and his grandson, the late Raymond Todd Ferro.

Relatives and friends are invited to visit on Friday, Jan. 26, 2024 at Chapman Funerals & Cremations – Wareham, 2599 Cranberry Hwy. (Rt. 28), Wareham from 4 – 7 p.m.  His funeral will be from the funeral home on Saturday, Jan. 27^th at 9 a.m. followed by a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Patrick’s Church, 94 High St., Wareham at 10:00 a.m.  Burial will follow in St. Patrick’s Cemetery, Wareham.

For directions or to leave a message of condolence visit: www.chapmanfuneral.com