Lima City Council honors iconic voice of local sports

LIMA — Monday night’s Lima City Council meeting started off with an emotional ordinance memorializing long-time Lima area sports broadcaster Aaron Matthews.

Council members recalled memories of Matthews calling plays in the booth and in private.

While almost all of them had a favorite personal experience with Matthews, each of the council members described a passionate and fun-loving man full of kindness and joy.

Matthews’ wife and brother were present for council President John Nixon to present them with a signed proclamation honoring the popular broadcaster.

Council Member Jon Neeper presented the ordinance for discussion and requested it be passed on its first reading. He described a close friendship that blossomed after meeting Matthews through a mutual friend.

Fellow Council Member Peggy Ehora counted Matthews as one of many great broadcasters as she listed off several other sports broadcasters that were beloved by the community.

“We have been blessed with a great group of people here in the Lima sports scene,” Ehora said. “He’s in that group of what I call the legends of Lima sports.”

As the council continued to recall Matthews’ impact on Lima, the praise and tales of behind the scenes acts of kindness grew more emotional.

Council Member Tony Wilkerson told a heart string tugging story of his son having a career day for Lima Central Catholic on the basketball court and Matthews making it special.

“My son had the best game he had ever had, and even though most of it came in the fourth quarter of a game LCC had wrapped up, he made every call so exciting — that’s what the great ones do,” Wilkerson beamed. “Then the next time he saw my son, he gave him a copy of the tape, so we could relive it. That was quality of person he (Matthews) was.”

Finally, Council Member Derry Glenn shared several stories of Matthews using his following to bring in food donations to feed the hungry.

“He would always say ‘Dr. Derry, do you need anything else or let me know whenever I can help we will get it done,” Glenn said.

City council president John Nixon presents Aaron Matthew’ family with a signed proclamation in remembrance of the beloved broadcaster.

From left, council members Jamie Dixon and Dr. Derry Glenn listen as Jon Neeper remembers his friend Aaron Matthews.

Reach Joe Gilroy on Twitter @TLNJoeGilroy