House Resolution 89

(As Adopted by House)

A RESOLUTION COMMENDING THE LIFE, SERVICE AND LEGACY OF DR. MILTON DUANE "BUD" MATTHEWS AND EXPRESSING DEEPEST SYMPATHY TO HIS FAMILY AND FRIENDS UPON HIS PASSING.

WHEREAS, it is written in II Corinthians 4:17-18, "For our light affliction, which is but for a moment, worketh for us a far more exceeding and eternal weight of glory; While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal, but the things which are not seen are eternal," and as such, the immaculate author and finisher of our soul's destiny summoned the mortal presence of dearly beloved, Dr. Milton Duane "Bud" Matthews, to rest eternally, as he has made life's final transition from earthly travailing to heavenly reward, rendering great sorrow and loss to his family and friends; and

WHEREAS, the State of Mississippi lost a wonderful friend and esteemed public servant with the passing of Dr. Matthews, on Friday, March 16, 2018, whose career as an astute educational professional and consultant on the local and statewide level spanned 56 years, and who now enjoys the eternal peace described in Luke 2:29, "Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word"; and

WHEREAS, from the humble beginnings of his birth on April 3, 1938, to the late Mr. Hugh W. and Mrs. Pauline Germany Matthews in Union, Mississippi, which straddles the county lines of Neshoba and Newton Counties, Dr. Matthews, upon completing his formal education, masterfully matriculated through the realms of postsecondary academia with degrees from East Central Community College, the University of Southern Mississippi, which included his PhD, and Mississippi College, shaping himself into a man of valor and integrity; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews commenced his career in education in Neshoba County in 1960 with a stellar showing of commitment to the academic success of his students, championing the advancement of the Neshoba County's public educational system which positioned him to become the district's new Title I, ESEA Coordinator in 1968, serving as the precursor to easily transition him to statewide service as a Title I officer with the Mississippi Department of Education in 1971; and

WHEREAS, Dr. Matthews' 36-year tenure with the Mississippi Department of Education culminated with his appointment, by the State Board of Education, as Director of the Office of Compensatory Education, which entailed the responsibility of overseeing annual budgets exceeding $125 million before passing on the mantle of service to his successor upon his retirement in 1996; and

WHEREAS, even in retirement, Dr. Matthews' devotion to the quality of education provided to the state's most valuable resource, its children, remained unwavering and he recommitted himself to continued services as an educational consultant for an additional 20 years, before officially tendering his retirement in 2016 at the age of 78 and openly confessing to having "failed retirement"; and

WHEREAS, cognizant of the words recorded in II Thessalonians 3:10 "that if any would not work, neither should he eat," Dr. Matthews was a diligent worker who, in addition to building a formidable career in education, offered 17 years of service to the handicapped in the Radio Reading Service, dressed as Santa who would read to children at area schools and libraries, and also served as a volunteer with the International Ballet and the Mississippi Commission for International Cultural Exchange exhibits, including: Splendors of Versailles, Palaces of St. Petersburg, Baroque Dresden and The Majesty of Spain; and

WHEREAS, well traveled, both domestically and abroad, having visited every continent, save one, Dr. Matthews never met a stranger, an innate trait of compassion that proved rewarding as it bestowed upon him the gift of establishing genuine, lifelong friendships shared over exceptional cuisine, thought-provoking conversation, cultural and artistic enlightenment, and showered with an ever-timely word of encouragement; and

WHEREAS, a God-fearing Christian before all other roles he assumed, Dr. Matthews possessed an ambitious spirit akin to that of King David, he was a man after God's own heart, who demonstrated a great faith and commitment to Jesus Christ, his family and his church, Old Towne Community Church, a diligent service that confirms the recording of Roman 14:8, "If we live, we live for the Lord, and if we die, we die for the Lord. So whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord"; and

WHEREAS, though he has traversed the river of life to reunite with those who answered God's summons to life eternal and now beckon his arrival to the celestial shores of Heaven's grandeur, which include his parents and brother-in-law Marcus Gordon, the legacy of Dr. Matthews' indelible imprint upon our lives will continue to refresh the hearts and fond memories of his beloved survivors: his sister, Polly Gordon; niece, Teresa Gordon Parker; nephews, Craig Gordon, Brian Gordon and Darin Gordon; great nieces, Lana Elizabeth and Lara Kelle Parker; and a host of friends and colleagues; and

WHEREAS, we encourage the family to find solace from the overwhelming sadness created by the earthly departure of their beloved family member and be renewed in their faith that Dr. Matthews fulfilled the purpose of his appointed time in adherence to the commandment of II Timothy 4:7, by having "fought a good fight, finishing his course and keeping the faith until the hour of his departure was at hand"; and

WHEREAS, it is the policy of the House of Representatives to commend the life and service of such a genuine and selfless individual as Dr. Matthews, whose light illuminated the path of hope for all he encountered along this earthly sojourn:

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI, That we do hereby mourn the loss and commemorate the life and legacy of Dr. Milton Duane "Bud" Matthews and express sincere and deepest sympathy to his family and friends upon his passing.

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That copies of this resolution be furnished to the family of Dr. Milton Duane "Bud" Matthews and to the members of the Capitol Press Corps.