Drury University and its athletic department is mourning the loss of beloved former coach and athletic director Dr. Edsel Matthews.
University officials announced Monday that Dr. Matthews passed away Sunday at the age of 83.
His legacy began as an assistant coach for Drury Panthers basketball in 1967-68 before becoming the head coach in 1971.
He was the head coach of the Panthers until 1978, and was also the Director of Athletics at Drury that final season.
Dr. Matthews later became the Director of Athletics for Springfield Public Schools, a role he held for 25 years.
He then returned to Drury, and was essential in the programs move to the Great Lakes Valley Conference.
The visitation for Dr. Matthews is scheduled for this Thursday, December 5, from 9 am to 11 am and will be followed by the funeral service at 11 am at Northside Christian Church on Highway H in Springfield.
