Howard B. Matthews, II, age 90, of Bel Air, Maryland, passed away on Sunday, September 6, 2026. Born in Cambridge, Maryland, he was the son of the late Griffith Russell Matthews and Helen N. (Blades) Matthews and the devoted husband of Joan Barbara (Leidig) Matthews.

Howard and Joan shared nearly 67 years of marriage and would have celebrated their 67th wedding anniversary on October 17, 2026. Above all else, Howard treasured the time he spent with his wife and family.

Howard was a graduate of Baltimore Polytechnical High School, attended University of Maryland and graduated from Johns Hopkins University.

He was a proud veteran, and served in the United States Army and the Maryland National Guard. He enjoyed a long career in procurement, working as a procurement officer for Baltimore Gas & Electric for 36 years. He later worked for Harford County as a procurement officer, retiring after five years of service.

Howard was a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church – Sweet Air for 56 years, where he served as a past Church Council President. His faith was an important part of his life, and he was instrumental in starting both the prayer ministry and lay ministry at the church.

Deeply involved in several fraternal organizations, Howard was a 32nd Degree Mason and member of Mt. Ararat F&AM Lodge. He served as a past Supreme Director of the Tall Cedars of Lebanon and Past Grand Tall of HarCe Forest, past Associate Grand Guardian for Job’s Daughters from 1984–1985, and past State Master Councilor for the Order of DeMolay. He was also a member of the Order of the Eastern Star. Howard received numerous honors through the Order of DeMolay, including the Legion of Honor, its highest overall distinction, and the Degree of Chevalier, the highest honor bestowed upon an active member.

Howard also worked as a security guard for Pinkerton at Baltimore Colts games, where he had the opportunity to work in the press box. A devoted Baltimore sports fan, he loved cheering on the Baltimore Orioles and Baltimore Ravens. He was also an avid reader.

In addition to his wife, Joan Barbara Matthews, Howard is survived by his daughters, Barbara Jean Estermyer and her husband James, Shirley Jane Roberson and her partner Robert, and Julie Ann Miller and her husband Rob; grandchildren, Stephanie Shannon Carroll (Dustin), Daniel Matthews Roberson (Libby), Angela Ashley Nicastro (Jack), Kathleen Elizabeth Roberson, Lauren Ann Ward (Lucas), Nicole Annette Miller, Glenn Russell Miller, Nathaniel Paul Roberson, Crystal Lynn Hood, and Breeon Leigh Estermyer; and great-grandchildren, Zachary Hood, Jack Carroll, Arthur Roberson, Jonah Carroll, Juliette Roberson, Emma Baggerly, Jackson Ward, and Kennedy Brown.

In addition to his parents, Howard was preceded in death by his brothers, G. Russell Matthews, Jr.; W. Arthur Matthews; and his sister, Nancy H. Sevier.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to either the St. John’s Lutheran Church Veterans Fund or the St. John’s Lutheran Church Children’s Playground Fund.