Robert Wallace Matthew, 90, of Lebanon, passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, March 14, 2026. He was the husband of the late Margaret (Arnt) Matthew.
Born in Lebanon, Bob was the son of the late Edwin Sr. and Anna (Kline) Matthew. He was a graduate of Lebanon High School. In his early years, he worked in retail at McCrory’s in Lebanon. He went on to a career in quality control at Bayer Corporation in Myerstown until his retirement. Bob was very much a people person, making friends easily wherever he went. A lifelong sports fan, he faithfully cheered on the Phillies, Chiefs, and Eagles, often flanked by family pets, Ella and Eva, whom he loved. He enjoyed scratch-off lottery tickets, Elvis, cars (especially anything involving a ’57 Chevy), and watching his favorite TV shows or classic Christmas movies. His grandchildren will remember the special way he made each of them feel known, even turning old songs into one-of-a-kind tributes just for them.
Bob will be remembered as a kind and selfless man, always willing to help anyone in need, a reflection of the quiet generosity he showed time and again throughout his life. Above all else, Bob was a devoted family man: a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His legacy will live on through his family and friends. When loved ones passed on, Bob often quoted, “Every time a bell rings, an angel gets his wings.” So, too, the time has come for Bob to get his wings.
Bob is survived by his children, Margaret M., wife of David Emrich, of Kearney, MO, and Donna M., wife of Michael Miller, of Lebanon; grandchildren, Steven Emrich, Andrew, husband of Charis (Blanch) Emrich, Kristy (Emrich), wife of Michael Cashin, Nathan Emrich, Matthew Emrich, Mark Emrich, Katie (Emrich), wife of Jared Vance, Klair Emrich, Emily Miller, and Eric Miller; great-grandchildren, Alice Emrich and Elizabeth Emrich; and siblings, Mary (Matthew) Kale, of Myerstown, and Corinne (Matthew) Wenrich, of Womelsdorf.
In addition to his loving wife and parents, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Edwin Matthew Jr., Lillian Fuller, and Harry Matthew Sr.
Respecting his wishes, a private viewing was held, and interment will take place at the Schaefferstown Cemetery in the sunshine of spring.
