Peter Clay Matthew

Peter Clay Matthew, 68, of Three Rivers, Michigan, passed away peacefully on August 19, 2026, at the University of Michigan Hospital surrounded by his loving family. He was born on June 6, 1958, in Reading, Pennsylvania, the son of Clayton E. and Jean E. (Douple) Matthew.

Peter, the son of an Army Major, spent most of his formative years living in a variety of locations including Germany, Hawaii, Virginia, and Texas, amongst other places. His family settled in upstate New York near Fort Drum in his later teenage years, graduating from high school in Carthage, NY.

After high school, he went on to Pinecrest Bible Training Center in Salisbury Center, New York, where he met the love of his life, Jan Swartzentruber. They were married on July 12, 1980. In 1981, Peter and Jan moved to Three Rivers, Michigan, where they built their life together.

Peter spent many years in the manufacturing industry, working in a variety of positions, including machinist and tool-and-die work. Over the years, he worked for Kirsch in Sturgis, HBDM in Three Rivers, and Gray Brothers in White Pigeon. For about the last 13 years, he was employed by Morgan Olson in Sturgis.

Peter’s faith was the cornerstone of his life. In earlier years, he attended Pleasant View Christian Church with his young family, then spent many years at Agape Family Church. He later attended Connections in Schoolcraft, Verse by Verse in Three Rivers, Radiant Life in Sturgis, and joined Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene at the beginning of this year. Throughout the years, he taught a variety of bible classes and children’s church, played his guitar and sang along with his wife Jan on the worship team, and volunteered with small groups and youth ministry.

Outside of church, Peter always enjoyed reading and learning about a wide range of subjects. He had a particular interest in the Bible, archaeology, history, and the works of J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. His abundant knowledge of “useless” trivia was so broad that he even qualified for Jeopardy and could often answer questions that contestants missed.

Peter also loved theatre and participated in many productions with the Three Rivers Community Players, serving on the board at one time and taking on numerous lead roles. Among his memorable performances were Frank Gilbreth in Cheaper by the Dozen, Arvide Abernathy in Guys and Dolls, Lazar Wolf in Fiddler on the Roof, the Wizard in Wizard of Oz, Mr. Bennet in Pride and Prejudice, and Mayor Shinn in The Music Man. He also directed Rainbow Bar and Grill.

He was more recently well known locally for playing Santa Claus. He approached the role with genuine warmth and graciousness and loved creating joy for children and families.

Within his own family, he will be remembered for his homecooked meals, especially his chicken noodle soup. He was inspired by watching cooking shows and learning new things from them. Peter loved dogs and, throughout the years, was devoted to many beloved canine companions, including Willy, Prince, Annabelle, Trixie, Zelda, Bella, and Holly. He had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to joke with his children and friends, often evoking comical reactions from his wife.

Peter also had a deep love of music. He played guitar and enjoyed listening to a vast array of genres, but above all, Peter was devoted to his family. He adored his wife, and their marriage and family were the main focus of his life.

He was attentive to the people he loved and always watched over them, making sure everyone was safe and doing well. He was especially protective of his wife and in his later days would constantly make sure she was okay. He cared deeply about others and consistently put their needs before his own. He was a faithful husband, father, grandfather, brother, and friend—a good man whose kindness, faith, humor, intelligence, and love will be remembered.

Peter is survived by his beloved wife of 46 years, Jan (Swartzentruber) Matthew of Three Rivers; his children, Bethany (David) Miller of Battle Creek, Kathleen (Clayton) Lyczynski of Three Rivers, Michael Matthew of Montpelier, Ohio, Cheryl (Adam) Hoskins of Belleville, and Laura (Chad) VanderMei of Three Rivers; his grandchildren, Glorianna Miller, Annalisa Miller, Alayna Miller, Sophia (Eli) Nelson, Gweneth Lyczynski, Isaiah Matthew, Eleanor Matthew, Jackson Matthew, Emma Hoskins, Katherine Hoskins, and Lucille VanderMei; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, Clayton E. and Jean E. (Douple) Matthew, and his siblings, Lisa Matthew and Tim Matthew.

In accordance with Peter’s wishes, cremation has taken place. The family will receive guests on Sunday, August 30, 2026, from 3:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Three Rivers Church of the Nazarene, 1221 Coon Hollow Road, Three Rivers, MI 49093. A Celebration of Life will begin at 5:00 p.m. at the church. The Rev. Rich Saunders will officiate. Ray Funeral Services has been entrusted with his care.