Paul Dennis Matthews, 79, of Welsh, LA., passed away peacefully at his residence on Saturday, July 3, 2021.  Paul was born in Elton, LA on November 28, 1941 to Artelus Matthews and Thelma Thomas Matthews.  Upon completing his high school education, he enlisted in the United States Army in August of 1961 and received the Expert Rifle Medal.  Paul was honorably discharged from the Army in February of 1962 and in October of 1962, he enlisted in the United States Navy, serving during the Vietnam Conflict and receiving the National Defense Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, and the Naval Unit Commendation Ribbon.  After receiving an honorable discharge from the Navy in October of 1966, Paul returned home to Welsh, LA.

Paul married the love of his life, Lucille Johnson Matthews and to that union, there were five children. Paul was a devoted member of St. Joseph Catholic Church in Welsh, LA., pastored by Father Pradeep Gali.  He was a 4th Degree Knight with the Knights of Peter Claver, a Rotarian with the Rotary Club of Welsh, LA., and a member of the Order of Saint Lazerus of Jerusalem.  Paul was a retired Plant Operator with Citgo Refinery in Westlake, LA.  Paul loved spending time with his family, friends, and was an active community servant.

Paul is survived by his wife, Lucille; sons, Ray Anthony (Myrna) Matthews of Pearland, TX., Melvin James (Leila) Matthews of Houston, TX., and Gerald Keith Matthews of The Woodlands, TX; daughters, Anjanette (Jackie) Etienne, Camille (Calvin) Painter, and Denyse (Jaron) Thorne, all of Missouri City, TX; brother, Lyness "Guy" Matthews of Lake Charles, LA; sisters, Lemelda "Shirley" Carrier of Welsh, LA and Vivian Woods of Elton, LA; twelve grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; daughter-in-law, Regina Matthews; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.

Paul was preceded in death by one son, Gerard Paul Matthews; parents, Artelus and Thelma Matthews; sisters, Stella Freddie and Nelda Prudhomme; brothers, Rodney Matthews, Phillip Matthews, and Arthulus Matthews, Jr.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:00 a.m. Monday, July 12, 2021, in Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church, 209 N. Adams Street in Welsh, LA.  Visiting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. in First Baptist Church, 500 S. Adams Street in Welsh, LA.  A Rosary will be recited at 9:15 a.m. followed by the 4th Degree Ritual by the Knights of Peter Claver.  Burial with Military Honors Accorded by the U. S. Navy will be in the Southwest Louisiana State Veterans Cemetery, 1620 Evangeline Road in Jennings, LA. under the direction of Semien-Lewis Mortuary.