Charles O. Matthews, Jr. "Buck"

Charles O. Matthews, Jr. “Buck”

The long, eventful, and fortunate life of Buck Matthews came to an end Monday, March 30, 2026. He was 97, born in Takoma Park, Maryland, to Charles O., Sr., and Thelma (Beall) Matthews, he and his sister, Catherine, also deceased, were blessed to grow up in a large family of relatives and family friends, who conspired with their loving parents to guide and keep them safe.

Buck graduated from Central High School in Washington, DC, in 1948 and went on to Ohio Wesleyan University. When war broke out in the Far East in 1951, he left college to enlist in the United States Air Force, serving one tour in South Korea as a ground radio operator. He found his calling in broadcasting while serving the last year of his hitch at Selfridge AFB in Michigan, working part time at radio stations in Marine City and Pontiac. Following his military service, he enrolled in the broadcasting degree program at Columbia University in New York. His first full time job was at WCTC, New Brunswick, New Jersey, followed by two years as all-night Music host at WJR Detroit.

His television career began at WILX-TV in Jackson, Michigan, where he met and married the love of his life, Thelma Irene Ellinger. In 1961, Buck moved to WOOD-TV in Grand Rapids, spending 21 years as weather reporter, documentary producer, and host of the award-winning “Buck Matthews Show.” Active in arts and community affairs, including co-chairing the 1974 Festival of the Arts, he was awarded the Key to the City twice and received the Arts Council Festival Award for contributions to the cultural life of West Michigan. He served the last 10 years of his career as General Manager of Public Radio Stations at Blue Lake Fine Arts Camp, retiring in 1995. In retirement, he built 86 dollhouses for family, friends and charity fundraisers and wrote 4 books. A lifelong Methodist he was an active member of Marne United Methodist Church.

Buck is survived by his wife of 65 yrs, Thelma (Ellinger) Matthews; daughter, Kimberley Ann VanDusen; son, Charles O. Matthews, III “Chip”; grandson, Jerad VanDusen; great granddaughter, Amara VanDusen; great grandson, Micah VanDusen; brother-in-law Daniel (Aileen) Ellinger and several nieces and nephews.

In keeping with Buck’s wish cremation has taken place. Relatives and friends may meet with the family 10:00 – 11:00 A.M. on Saturday, April 11, 2026 at Marne United Methodist Church, 14861 Washington St. Marne, MI, 49435, followed by a Memorial Service celebrating Buck’s life at 11:00 A.M. with Rev. Tommy Boutell officiating. Interment will take place following the service in the Maplewood Cemetery in Lamont, MI.

Memorial donations may be made to Marne United Methodist Church, 14861 Washington St. Marne, MI, 49435 or Blue Lake Public Radio, 300 East Crystal Lake Road, Twin Lake, MI, 49457 (Please make checks out to Blue Lake Public Radio).

Condolences for the family may be left on Buck’s guestbook at www.throopfh.com.

Arrangements by Throop Funeral Home, Coopersville, MI., Ph. 616-837-8161,  www.throopfh.com