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Jimmy Matus Obituary
JIMMY MATUS: Fire truck-builder and operator
Matus, 52, was killed while responding to the fire that caused the explosion. He was the sales manager at Westex Welding & Fir e Apparatus, a company that builds fire trucks. For the past 40 years, he worked at the company and for the last half of that time he managed all aspects of the business, a funeral home obituary said.
"Jimmy was an outstanding man, someone who would go out of his way to help you. That's the way we are taught," said Garratt Matus of his father's cousin, Jimmy Matus.
Matus graduated from West High School in 1979.
He was a member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, SPJST Lodge 54, Sokol West and the State Fireman's Association, and an honorary member of the Masonic Lodge in West. He also served on the West ISD school board and played Santa Claus for local organizations, the obituary said.
He is survived by his parents, his son and daughter, two stepdaughters, two sisters, grandchildren, nieces and other relatives.
Copyright © 2013 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
30 Entries
Dan Huddleston
April 30, 2013
Our thoughts and prayers are with y'all during this time of sorrow. Jimmy will always remain in our hearts. We will never forget the sacrifices that were made, so others may live. GOD BLESS. Dan Huddleston/CrossPlains Fire Dept.
Cindy Ray~Bucher
April 29, 2013
I'm saddened beyond words for your loss of Jimmy. I graduated from Connally with Gail and can't believe the tragedy to family and friends of losing these two wonderful souls so close together. I met Jimmy only once and instantly liked him. Gail was always kind to me throughout the years. I am looking at the Christmas card she sent me of her and Jimmy dressed up as Mr. And Mrs. Claus. God bless them both, they are together again.
Dina Dwyer-Owens
April 28, 2013
Our prayers are with you and your family.
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Ronny/Janet Bredemeyer
April 28, 2013
We never met Jimmy, but give our Condolences, prayers,thoughts,and sympathy to his Family,and many,many friends. He is a true hero to us. GOD bless him,his Family,and many,many friends. GOD bless
joyce wilhite
April 28, 2013
Jimmy thank you for giving your life so others could live...my thoughts an prayers are with the families of yours...
Michelle Ridling
April 28, 2013
I and my family commend you for being brave and courageous as you arrived to perform your duties to save the town of West. You and the other brave firefighters are in our prayers and in our thoughts. To the family of Mr.Matus, I am so sorry for your loss of such an upstanding man.
God bless,
Mr.&Mrs.Russell Ridling & boys
Shelley
April 25, 2013
May knowing you're in the hearts and thoughts of others help you and yours through this time of sorrow.
Buddy & Becky Black
April 24, 2013
A good man who will be greatly missed.
Scott Berndt
April 24, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family.
Bahcall Rubber Company (Kaukauna, WI)
Howard and Teresa Simons and Holmea
April 23, 2013
Thank you for all your service to us. God bless you..
Cristy Springer Mitchell
April 23, 2013
So saddened for all of the Matus family. My deepest sympathy...rest in peace.
Michelle Grube
April 23, 2013
Thank you Jimmy for all you have done. I'm blessed that the Lord led me to cross paths with you. You always had your heart on your sleeves. You will always be in our hearts and will always be missed.
West VFD Auxilliary
April 23, 2013
Our deepest sorrow for your family. He will be so remembered with love from our community. We know he has helped so many in so many ways, including us. Rest in Peace.
Nadia Soukup
April 22, 2013
He takes care of His people like a shepherd. He gathers them like lambs in His arms and carries them close to Him. Isiah 40:11 With caring sympathy in your loss.
Z J
April 22, 2013
My prayers are with the family of a brave hero.
Erica Wright
April 22, 2013
Your exceptional bravery in the face of danger will never be forgotten. You are a good neighbor and hero and will be forever missed.
Shaun Gage
April 22, 2013
Please accept my sincere condolences. (American Income Life Insurance Company)
April 22, 2013
Please accept our deepest sympathy and prayers for your family! Craig & Janette Roquemore New Salem VFD
Walter Abel
April 21, 2013
Rest In Peace Jimmy. You will be sorely missed. Thanks for you bravery and heroism.
Amy Miller
April 21, 2013
I will always miss seeing my daughter fall asleep in your arms. You really had a way with her and I will tell her stories of her great Uncle Jimmy. We are not ready for you to be gone.
Scott Chamberland
April 21, 2013
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
Kim Matous-Gardner
April 21, 2013
Thank you for your bravery and service. You are truly a hero.
R/C Bucher
April 21, 2013
Rest in Peace
L D
April 20, 2013
Bless your family in this time of loss.
Shannon & Justice Stone
April 20, 2013
Thinking of the Matus family at this time. He was very brave to risk his life to save others. Your family is in our thoughts.
JoAnna Pesek
April 20, 2013
Rest in peace, sweet man, God Bless your family and friends whom will forever keep you in their heart.
Christina Soukup Sims
April 20, 2013
Rest in peace cousin you will be missed dearly
Deborah Skelton
April 19, 2013
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