Edward L. Matocha Jr.

Jesus Christ called his faithful servant, Edward L. Matocha, Jr., home on March 6, 2026, to reunite with his beloved mother, Victoria (Srubar) and father, Edward L. Matocha, Sr.

Edward was born in Plum, Texas, on September 20, 1941. Nine years later, he moved to La Grange where he would graduate from La Grange High School in 1960, one year after being captivated by his high school sweetheart, Margaret (Schulz) Matocha. Though she kept his head in the clouds, so did another lifelong captivation with airplanes, so he joined the Air Force in 1961.

At the age of 19, Edward received basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. From there, he went to Amarillo for technical training to become a jet engine mechanic in preparation for Fairchild Air Force Base in Spokane, Washington, where he was stationed for the next three years. A man of many talents, Edward was pursued by the Pittsburgh Pirates to become a catcher but was not drafted when they learned of his commitment to the military. In 1965, Edward was excited to reunite with his home state when he was transferred to Bergstrom Air Force Base in Austin, but even more excited to return to Margaret. After keeping their special connection alive by writing letters for four years, they made their union official and married July 24, 1965, upon his return. Their connection was indeed written in the stars of the skies he often gazed upon as they celebrated 60 years of lasting love just last year.

Ever the patriot, Edward spent the next few years in service to his country, transferring to March Airforce Base in Riverside, California, and ultimately Guam in preparation for support of the Vietnam War by maintaining planes during the night shift. Recognized for his aptitude and dedication, Edward was asked to fly in the B-52s from Guam to Vietnam as they dropped bombs to support the American troops on the ground. That same dedication kept him moving up the ranks from First Airman up to Staff Sargeant.

Edward's love of planes would transcend his military days and give flight to his 30-year career in aviation. With Garret Aviation, Edward literally travelled the world from France and Turkey to India and Mexico. He ended his career as the Director of Operations in 2000.

Throughout his demanding career and many duties as a loving father, there was little time to focus on other endeavors; however, Edward still pursued a college degree for personal fulfillment. Taking night classes across 30 years, he graduated with a bachelor's in business from Our Lady of the Lake in San Antonio, Texas in 1994, showing his family by example that anything can be achieved if you stay committed and give it your all.

With any other small spaces of time he could find, Edward loved to hunt and fish- especially with his best friend and brother-in-law, Edwin Kocian, and his nephew, Jon Kocian. He was always a humble man, but one would not think so when visiting his home as he loved to count the points on the antlers and display his trophies on the walls.

Though a world traveler and man having lived numerous once in a lifetime adventures, La Grange was always where Edward's heart felt at home. After retiring in 2000, he and Margaret returned to where it all began to rebuild a house of love and rejoin their community of strong faith. A member of the KC Council 2574, a member of VFW Post 5254, and a very enthusiastic dancing member of the Swiss Alp Dance Club, Edward supported his community with a heart of servitude and undeniable sense of humor for the last 25 years. He wore a smile on his face and tried his hardest to put one on yours.

With others, family often shared their immense pride for his remarkable fortitude and countless accomplishments; however, Edward would say the greatest achievement of his life was the cherished family he built. But he was so much more than its architect. He was the unshakable foundation, relied upon for safety and trust. He was every wall, consistently providing structure to build character, and the windows that showed views of life's many opportunities awaiting with hard work. Most importantly, he was the light that stayed lit no matter how many years had passed to always show his family where they could find home. Whether giving tractor rides to giddy grandchildren sitting on his lap, teaching everyone how to properly shoot a can in the pasture or leading the family in prayer as they all held hands before special meals, Edward made sure that family came first.

Edward is survived by the love of his life, favorite dance partner, and devoted wife, Margaret, son, Keith Matocha and wife Laurie, daughter Cheri (Matocha) Moceri and husband David, and eight grandchildren, Marisa (Matocha) Odom and husband Dominic, Molly Matocha, Michael Matocha, Nicolos Matocha, Lauren Love, Ava Love, Hudson Moceri, and Madelaine Matocha. Edward is also survived by his sister Virginia (Matocha) Kocian, niece Suzanne (Kocian) Revelle, and nephew Jon Kocian.

Though Edward is with his Lord and Savior, his spirit still remains as his legacy of loyalty, love, and family above all else lives in every member of his family in his honor.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, March 15, 2026, from 12:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. at Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations of La Grange. The family will be present to receive friends from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 7:00 p.m.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church of Plum on Monday, March 16, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. A reception will follow the funeral mass and will be held in the parish hall. A graveside service with military honors will be held at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, March 16, 2026, held at Queen of the Holy Rosary Catholic Cemetery in Hostyn.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Queen of the Holy Rosary Building Fund, 936 FM 2436, La Grange, TX 78945.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Koenig-Belvill Funeral Home & Cremations, 208 W. Pearl, LaGrange, Texas. Family and friends can view and sign the guestbook online at www.lagrangefunerals.com.