DeLeon Lyle Matthews Jr. of Adrian, Michigan passed away on July 6, 2025 at the Toledo Hospital, surrounded by his family. DeLeon was born on May 20, 1951 to Deleon Sr. and Hattie (Fite) Matthews. He married his beloved Linda Garcia at Adrian’s St. Mary’s Church in 1969. She survives. Even on the last day of his life, DeLeon was still making sure his family was comfortable, cared for, and deeply loved. Because this is the type of man he was. While raising three sons and working at General Motors Willow Run Assembly Plant in Ypsilanti, he still found time to give back. Volunteering was restorative to DeLeon and he touched the lives of many people through his work. He was a mentor and Scoutmaster for Boy Scout Troop 616 for several years. He also volunteered at The Associated Charities, picked up donations for The Salvation Army, and was a regular blood donor. After retiring from GM, DeLeon continued to work for Lenawee Transportation, where he became a welcoming, friendly face to many in the community. DeLeon will be remembered for his unwavering kind heart. Whether it was helping a friend, offering soothing words to a stranger, or cheering on a grandchild, he gave of himself on a regular basis. He leaves a legacy of leading by example and teaching his children and grandchildren the importance of caring for the least among us. Along with spending time with his family and spoiling his grandchildren, he loved listening to music and dancing. He also had a passion for traveling and going on cruises. One of his adages was “Take the trip!” In addition to his wife Linda Matthews, he is survived by his two sons, Marcus (Danyelle) Matthews and Eric Matthews; three grandchildren Alexandria, Tyler (Lessette) and Nolan; seven great grandchildren: Jace, Nadia, Maximus, Camila, Gianna, Xander, and Amelia; and his good boy, Louie. DeLeon was preceded in death by his parents, his son Michael Matthews, and his sister-in-law Mary Ann Dalgard. Visitation will begin at Purse Funeral Home, 2959 N. Adrian Hwy, Adrian, MI, on Thursday, July 10, 2025 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM and 6:00 to 8:00 PM. Funeral Services will be held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at 11:00 AM, with visitation starting at 10:00 AM at the Purse Funeal Home in Adrian, MI. www.PurseFuneralHome.com
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