Our community lost a pillar when Vincent Matthews IV passed away on March 31, 2026. Known to many as Vince, he was born in Athens, Georgia on May 12, 1967, and lived a life defined by loyalty, service, and a deep and abiding compassion for others that made him an exceptional father, husband, son, brother, and friend.

Vince attended Kent Denver High School and later earned his associate’s degree from Community College of Aurora.

Vince proudly served in the United States Army from 1989 to 1991 as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division. He later served a combat tour in the Persian Gulf War with the 1st Armored Division. In recognition of his courage and dedication, Vince was awarded the Combat Infantryman Badge and the Army Commendation Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, among several other medals, ribbons, and badges reflecting his honorable service

Following his military career, Vince continued his lifelong commitment to protecting others through distinguished service with the Denver Police Department, from 1995 until his retirement in 2025. Over his three decades, he served with integrity and professionalism as a Patrol Officer, Training Officer, Corporal, and SWAT Team Operator. At the time of his retirement, Vince was the senior-most operator on the SWAT team.

Vince had a rare ability to make people feel seen and valued, treating everyone he met with patience, respect, and genuine interest in their lives, whether they were a lifelong friend or a stranger. Beyond his professional accomplishments, Vince found great joy, in time spent fishing with his buddies, watching Star Wars, and singing Metallica. Vince also maintained a famously complicated relationship with the game of golf. Vince is survived by his beloved wife, Sarah; his children, Morgan, Megan, and Jack; his father, Vincent Matthews III, and his wife Susan; his mother, Cissy Cullen, and her husband Dick; and his brother, Thompson Cullen Matthews, and his wife Susan.

Vince’s legacy will live on the hearts of everyone he interacted with as well as those he reached but never met. The family welcomes you to attend the viewing which will be held on Thursday, April 9th from 4-7 PM at Horan and McConaty, 5303 E. County Line Road Centennial, CO 80122.

The family also welcomes you to share your stories of remembrance at the Celebration of Life being held on Friday, April 10th at 11:00 AM at Eastern Hills Community Church, 25511 E Smoky Hill Road Aurora, CO 80016. Vince’s favorite color was blue, so please wear something blue or colorful.

Help his kindness, compassion, and wisdom continue by donating to, or volunteering at the Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation. Donations can be made here on their website: https://bluehatfoundation.org/donate/. The website will direct you to use Venmo, PayPal, or COGives. Please note: Wellness/Matthews with all donations. Checks can be made out to: Denver Police Blue Hat Foundation Wellness and Resiliency Fund Affidian Credit Union. Account #22005115-0203 with note - In memory of Vince Matthews.

Flowers can be sent for the service to the Eastern Hills Community Church location noted above.

For those who cannot attend in person, please join us for Vince's Celebration of Life virtually: https://foreverinourhearts.love/pages/vince-matthews-iv