Edward Matkins Obituary

LAFLIN — Edward P. Matkins, 75, of Laflin, passed peacefully on Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024, while in the care of the Veterans Administration Medical Center Wilkes-Barre. His loving family was by his side as he left for heaven.

Born in Wilkes-Barre on July 30, 1949, Ed was a son to the late Leo and Stella Shivell Matkins. He attended St. Joseph's Elementary School, Plains, and was a graduate of the Plains Memorial High School, class of 1967. A short time later, Ed decided to join the United States Air Force and serve during the Vietnam War. He was stationed in Cameron Bay, Vietnam. After the war ended, Ed was then stationed at the Andrews Air Force Base to complete his term of service, where he was honorably discharged with the rank of Sergeant.

Upon returning home, Ed continued his education and began working in the Veterans Administration Hospital, Wilkes-Barre. Over Ed's 38-year career at the V.A., he climbed the promotion levels and made it to where he was the Home Based Primary Care Nursing Manager. He made sure the nurses and the veteran patients had what needed to be in the best care. He retired in 2010.

Ed was a man that loved to help others and was there for his friends and family. He was a Laflin volunteer fireman in his younger years. He loved to go hunting, fishing, camping with family, going on family cruises and spending time in his beautiful garden that he grew. Ed was an active member of the St. Maria Goretti Parish, Laflin, American Legion Post 558, Plains Township and NARFE (National Association of Retired Federal Employees). One day to help a friend get married, he completed the online courses from the Universal Life Church to become a minister to marry his friends and family. Ed truly was always there to help.

In 1975, at a nursing dinner for the Wilkes-Barre Area Vocational School, Ed met Arline Rinus. Two short years later, on Oct. 15, 1977, Ed and Arline were married and moved to the home they resided in Laflin for the last 47 years. Together, they raised their two daughters, Michele and Melissa. Ed was a devoted husband to Arline, a loving and caring father to his daughters, and was the best grandpa to his grandchildren. We love him and will miss him. We know he will always be watching over his family.

Ed was preceded in passing by his parents Leo and Stella; and brother Robert Matkins.

Surviving are his loving wife, Arline, at home; daughters Michele Bullington, Laflin; Melissa Elvidge and her husband Tony, Avoca; granddaughter Madison Bullington; grandson Gabriel Elvidge; sister Rita Egan and her husband Jack, Hudson; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Friends and family are invited to attend a memorial visitation to be held on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., at the Yanaitis Funeral Home Inc., 55 Stark St., Plains. Interment will be held privately for the family in Mount Olivet Cemetery, Carverton, with military honors.