Walter Joseph Matous

Walter (Moose) J. Matous, 82, went to be with his Heavenly Father on January 21, 2025, at his beloved farm in Ben Arnold, Texas, surrounded by his loving family. A rosary will be held at 10:00 a.m., followed by a Memorial Mass at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at St. Michaels Catholic Church in Burlington, Texas.

Walter was born in 1942 in Ennis, Texas, to the late Jerry and Frances (Vlk) Matous, Sr. He was raised on a farm in Ennis, where he learned the value of hard work from an early age. He attended school at St. John Catholic School and in 1963 married Margie Whitley.

In 1970, Walter and Margie moved to Cameron then in 1977 purchased a farm in Ben Arnold, where they raised their family and created countless cherished memories. Walter worked for Alcoa until his retirement in 2001. Known for his brute strength, practicality, and steadfast “work first, play later” attitude, Walter approached life with determination and resilience. His faith was unwavering, and his family recalls many a time he had them praying for rain.

Walter was a member of the Knights of Columbus in Marak/Cyclone and attended St. Michaels Catholic Church in Burlington. He found immense joy in farm life, tending to his beautiful flowers, making wine, fishing on the river, dancing, gardening, barbecuing, hunting, traveling with Margie, John, and Jenny, and playing dominoes with loved ones. Together, he and Margie created a home where everyone felt welcome, a place filled with love, laughter, and lasting friendships.

Walter is survived by his devoted wife of 61 years, Margie Matous, and their children: Angela (Darrel) Duet, Vickie Eberth (Michael Barillari), Danny (LouAnn) Matous, and Jeanne (Patrick) Swift. He was a proud grandfather to Harlan (Xandra Parker) Short, Tiffany Short, Megan (Jude) Wicksell, Erica and Kyle Eberth, Chelsey (Tanner) Cody, Kaley (Connor) Pullen, Whitney (David) Sanchez, Cheyenne (Tyler) Stevens, Pecos and Rody Swift, Brandon (Briana) Duet, and Sarah Duet. He loved his great-grandchildren: Isabella Grabski, Zelie and Jack Cody, Felicity and Lilliana Sanchez, Milo Pullen, Grady and Colt Cheramie, and Allie and Bennett Duet.

Walter also had nine siblings: brothers Jerry Matous, George Matous, John Matous, Joseph Matous, and Bobby Matous; and sisters Frances Novotny, Helen Barak, JoAnn Baw, and Peggy Marroquin. Walter’s greatest joy in life was his family, and he cherished every moment spent with his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, whether in person, on the phone, or through videos. He and Margie found great happiness in visits from nieces and nephews, sharing stories and creating lasting memories.

The family would like to extend their heartfelt gratitude to the compassionate staff at Embrace Hospice of Temple for the wonderful care and support provided to Walter during the past year.

Walter Matous will be remembered for his unwavering faith, his love of family, and his dedication to hard work. His legacy of love, strength, and hospitality will live on in the hearts of all who knew him.

May he rest in eternal peace.