Terry P. Matthews

Terry P. Matthews, age 56, died on April 15, 2006 at home surrounded by those who loved him. He fought ALS (Lou Gerhig�s disease) with the same courage and determination that he showed as a young Navy pilot landing fighter jets on carriers. A memorial service will be at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Speaks Chapel 18020 E. 39th Street in Independence. A reception will follow at home.

Terry was born on June 20, 1949 to Barbara Pauline Bryant and Houston Matthews. He graduated from McCallum High School in Austin, Texas in 1967 and from Texas Tech University in 1972. He was a Naval Aviator and Flight Instructor 1972-1978. He was a stockbroker for several years in Dallas but spent the rest of his career working for Cessna, Gulfstream and Swift Aviation in their Business Jet Divisions. Terry lived in Kansas City for many years but was always a Texan at heart. Terry was many things to many people. He had friends across the country who rallied to him during his illness. He enjoyed golf, skiing and boating, drove his motorcycle at 100 mph, loved cars and could fix anything. He was a fabulous cook and had a lifelong love of good food. He was a fierce political debater and did not lack for strong opinions. He was a "man�s man� who was also very supportive of his wife�s work. He was an original.

Terry is survived by his wife, Jennifer D. Nicholson and his cat-people, AC and Angel, whom he spoiled and adored. Other survivors are his sister, Allison Ecklund; niece, Chandra Ecklund; nephew and wife, Jason and Laura Ecklund; and grandnephew Zane Ecklund. Many thanks to Linnea Brandt of the ALS Society, the NorthCare Hospice staff and his nurse, Winnie Wamae. Special thanks to Bob Sommers, who drove to KC to stay with Terry.

The family requests no flowers. Donations may be made to the "Terry P. Matthews True Gentleman Scholarship Fund�, an endowment established at SAE Fraternity at Texas Tech University, c/o SAE Foundation, 1856 Sheridan Road, Evanston, IL 60201-3837.