Noble Ray Matlock

Noble Ray Matlock joined the Lord at his home at 2:40 pm on January 31, 2022. Ray was born May 22, 1934 in Columbus, Indiana. He was the son of Noble Carlton and Nellie (Eddy) Matlock. He grew up in Brown County and attended Van Buren High School in Brown County and graduated in 1953. Ray was employed by Cummins Engine Company for 45 1/2 years. He also served 3 years in the army and a short time in the Indiana National Guard. He retired after attaining 20 years military service from the Air Force Reserves. Ray attended East Columbus Christian Church. There he was known for his steadfast faith, attendance and love of the Word. He also served as a precinct committeeman for elections in Bartholomew County. However, his favorite volunteer position was coaching “Biddy” Basketball at the Boys Club with his friend, Eddie Yeley. Their crowning achievement was coaching a championship team. Ray also enjoyed riding motorcycles with his wife and friends. Most importantly, Ray loved the Lord. He served in various capacities throughout his years at East Columbus Christian Church. In his younger years he helped the elderly people of the church maintain their cars. He taught many a bible study class and served as elder, deacon and trustee over the years. Throughout his many years he always took time to call on the elderly and shut-in of the congregation. He continued to call on the flock up until the time of his illness. Even through Covid, as restrictions allowed, he continued to check on those people confined to their homes or places of residence either by visiting on a porch or calling on the phone. The Lord has truly lost a shepherd of the flock. Survivors include son Kevin (Diana) Matlock of Panama City, Florida; daughters Kim (John) Shaw of Fishers, Indiana and Kelly (Paul) Banasik of Lewisville, North Carolina; grandchildren, Shane, Nichole, Chesney and Severin; great-grandchildren, Peyton, Tristyn, Colton and Emberlynne; brothers, Rex (Barb) Matlock of Columbus, Keith (Dolly) Matlock of Brown County, Ted (Dorothy) Matlock of Bloomington and sister, Donna Pennington of Brown County. He was preceded on death by his mother, father and step-mother; his wife of almost 57 years Alice Louise (Shonk) Matlock; his brother Richard Matlock and sister Wanda Gray. The funeral will take place on February 4 at 2:00 pm Jewell-Rittman Family Funeral Home in Columbus with Pastor Ron Bridgewater officiating. Burial will follow at Garland Brook Cemetery with military honors by the Bartholomew County Veterans Honor Guard. Visitation will be held at Jewell-Rittman Funeral Home on February 4 from 12:00 – 2:00 pm. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorial contributions be given to the Alzheimer’s Association. Friends and family are encouraged to visit the funeral home website: www.jewellrittman.com at 2 p.m. Friday, February 4, 2022 to view a live stream of Ray’s funeral service. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Noble Ray Matlock please visit our Sympathy Store.