From left, former Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews is honored by current Marietta Mayor Josh Schlicher with a proclamation during a celebration Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

MARIETTA — Former Marietta Mayor Joe Matthews was honored Friday in a ceremony recognizing his decades of service to the city and its residents.

The event included the presentation of the William Booth Award by the Salvation Army, its highest honor for civic and humanitarian service, and a proclamation by current Mayor Josh Schlicher declaring May 30 as “Joe A. Matthews Day” in Marietta.

Matthews, a lifelong West Side resident, graduated from Marietta High School before serving in the United States Marine Corps from 1956 to 1958. After returning home, he joined the Marietta Fire Department in 1966, serving as a firefighter and EMT. In 1989, he was named Firefighter of the Year. He retired from the department in 1990 after 24 years of service.

In November 1991, Matthews was elected the 54th mayor of Marietta. He served three terms from 1992 to 2003 and later returned to the role from 2012 through 2019, making him the city’s longest-serving mayor. During his time in office, Matthews received multiple community honors, including “Community Leader of the Year” in 1995 and “Citizen of the Year” in 2011.

In addition to his civic leadership, Matthews has been active in numerous local organizations, including Shriners International. He joined the Salvation Army’s advisory board in 1992 and remains an active member more than three decades later. The William Booth Award, presented by Maj. Todd Hughes of the Salvation Army, recognizes Matthews’ contributions to public service, the city, and charitable efforts.

From left, Jackie Taylor, Joe Matthews, Tammy Wilson and Salvation Army Maj. Todd Hughes honor Matthews with the William Booth Award at a celebration Friday afternoon. (Photo by Gwen Sour)

“He’s made people’s lives a little bit better in each of those areas of service,” Hughes said during the presentation.

Schlicher praised Matthews’ commitment to Marietta in a proclamation that cited his service history, family life and impact on the community. Matthews was married to his late wife Sally for 37 years. Together they raised six children and now have 16 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

“I just can’t say enough,” Matthews said in appreciation.

The event concluded with an open invitation for attendees to share their own memories. Marietta Fire Chief C.W. Durham described Matthews’ influence on his career in the fire department, while Matthews’ sister recalled family memories, including how he gave her his Studebaker when he enlisted.

Matthews finished his final term as mayor on Dec. 31, 2019, ending 44 years of public service to the City of Marietta.

Gwen Sour can be reached at gsour@newsandsentinel.com