In Memory of Judge F. Byron Matthews

Judge Matthews was born April 13, 1912, to Nana Mae and Dr. C.E. Matthews, who served as pastor of Travis Avenue Baptist for many years.  After graduating from Central High School in Fort Worth in 1929, Judge Matthews attended Baylor University, graduating with his law degree in 1934.  In 1944, he enlisted in the United States Army and was later in the Criminal Investigation Division until discharged.  On November 30, 1945, he married Jozelle Prichard Portwood.  They spent a full life together of 61 years which included a wide range of friendships, including Texas Rangers, movie stars, political leaders, ranchers and horse lovers, all while making many contributions to the community of Fort Worth.

His legal career spanned for more than half a century.   It began when he joined the staff of District Attorney Will Parker in Fort Worth in 1934.  After three years as one of the youngest prosecutors in the state, Judge Matthews entered private practice with Leo Brewster, who would later become a federal judge.  He was also legal counsel with Globe Aircraft Company from 1941 to 1944.  After his military service, he returned to Fort Worth to resume his legal career.  Judge Matthews won a statewide reputation as an outstanding criminal defense lawyer.  After many highly publicized cases, Judge Matthews decided to run for judge of the only Criminal District Court in Fort Worth.  Winning a hard fought race against J.E. “Dutch” Winters, a veteran prosecutor, Judge Matthews took the oath of office in January of 1963.  He would serve two decades unopposed as judge of that Court.  After retiring from judgeship, Judge Matthews became of counsel to The Kearney Law Firm until his death.

Associations:  Judge Matthews was a member of Travis Avenue Baptist Church since 1922 and served on the Building Committee when the present sanctuary was built.  Judge Matthews was a longtime breeder and contestant with Arabian Horses, American Quarter Horses and Cutting Horses.  He was a founding member of the National Cutting Horse Association and was later President for two terms.  He was a Lifetime Director with NCHA and was inducted into the NCHA Hall of Fame in 2001.  He was on the Board of Directors of the Southwestern Exposition and Livestock Show for 40 years and was then named an Honorary Vice President.  He was elected to the Texas Criminal Defense Lawyers Association Hall of Fame  in 1983.  He served on the Executive Committee and Loan Committee of Worth National Bank.  He served on the Carswell Redevelopment Board, the board appointed to consider new uses for Carswell Air Force Base land and served on the Board of Directors for Decatur Baptist College.  He was also appointed by Kentucky Governor Happy Chandler to membership as a Kentucky Colonel in 1958.  He was also designated a Chancellor Commander with the Knights of Pythias.  He was a longtime member of the Fort Worth Petroleum Club and Ridglea County Club.

He was preceded in death by his son, Byron, Jr., who resided in California; his parents, Dr. and Mrs. C.E. Matthews; his sister, Mary Elizabeth Matthews Lomax; former employee and companion for 49 years, Charlie Sims; and longtime friends, the members of “The Committee, “ John McMillan, James Leggett, Tom Leggett, Joe LeBlanc, Phil North, and Max Eubank.

Survivors: His loving wife of 61 years, Jozelle; daughter, Jerry Ann Portwood Taylor and her husband Dutch of Graham; daughter-in-law, Shirley Matthews and granddaughter, Michele, of Houston; and niece Katie Stiles and her husband, Gary, of Fort Worth.