Master and Commander
Posts: 1005
Location: NE Florida | Subject: Friday Obit
DEES .. .. Matthew Dees, 64, a resident of West Easton, passed away Monday, November 20, 2023, at his home. He is best remembered for his service to the community of West Easton Borough where he served as Council President 2020-2022, and State Constable 2022-2023. In 2022 he accepted the position of Council Pro Temp and served on various committees through the years. He built the website for the borough in 2016 seeing the need to provide an Internet presence, he wanted to provide residents access to basic public borough information more easily. Among the websites/blogs he built for private individuals over the years, he also created Glendon Borough's website.
In 2021 Matthew won the first election for a West Easton Borough 2-year Council seat that began in 2016. He was re-elected to a 4-year seat that began in 2018 and again, for another 4-year term beginning in 2022.
Outside his positions held in West Easton government, he also served on the Executive Board of his Union, TWU Local 282. His occupation included being a Colonial I.U. 20 driver for special need students, a website builder and entrepreneur. Matthew authored the relationship book, The Aphrodite Apocalypse, and wrote articles/blogs on topics of interest including collecting nostalgia items, food, the art of coffee and politics.
Born February 25, 1959 at Muhlenberg Hospital, Plainfield, NJ; he was raised in Watchung, N.J. attending Watchung Hills Regional High School, then later relocated to Nevada attending Boulder City High School.
An Honorable Veteran of the US Navy (1977-1982) of the Pacific Submarine Fleet, he served as a MT-3311 Missile Technician. His favorite Navy experience was when comedian Don Rickles, brought him on stage to participate in his Las Vegas act. Rickles sent complimentary champagne, picked up the tab, invited Matthew back stage, and gave him an autographed photo to bring back to his mates, which made the Boulder City News.
A transplant from Nevada, Matthew moved to Pennsylvania in 1992. He purchased his West Easton home in 2012 and was an avid gardener, canning, pickling and creating tasty salsas. His appreciation for the outdoors included fishing, hunting and camping.
Matthew received the Northampton County Outstanding Veteran Award in 2022.
He was preceded in death by his parents, R.Q. (Arr Cue) Dees of Arkabutla, MS, and Teresa (DeLuca) Dees of Las Vegas, NV.
Surviving is a his son, Shaun R. Dees, and his wife Sydney, of Arkabutla, MS; two daughters, Teresa Fox and her husband William, of Bangor, PA, and Marie Lynn Rich and her husband Josh, of Sarah, MS; three brothers Wayne T. Dees and his wife Suzanne Hart of Marquette, MI, L. Raymond Dees and his wife Diane, of Sparks, NV, and Daniel A. Thomas, of N. Carolina; two sisters, The Rev. Melanie Dees Campbell, of Marshall, MO, and Bonnie Anne Dees, of Las Vegas, NV; four grandchildren, William and Rilynn Fox, Taylor Bell and Tyler Beth Rich; and a former wife, Janet Dees, of Arkabutla, MS.
Matthew's request to have his ashes dispersed in Nevada, is planned for a future date.
Private arrangements were made by Strunk Funeral Home, Inc.; Wilson Borough. Offer online condolences at www.strunkfh.com
Due to Matthew's love for his community and his devoted Labrador Retriever, Maverick, memorial gifts (tax deductible) may be sent to the Center for Animal Health and Welfare, 1165 Island Park, Easton, PA 18042 or can be donated online at https://healthyanimalcenter.org
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Friday Obit
