John I. "Jack" Matejka Jr.

John Irvin Matejka, Jr., known as Jack to those who loved him, was born on February 22, 1943 in Wichita Falls, Texas to John and Ellen Matejka. He grew up in Jacinto City, Texas, where he was a Boy Scout for 9 years. Jack attended Galena Park High School from 1958-1961. He was an outstanding athlete, and lettered in football, basketball, and track. Jack was an All-District center when he graduated from Galena Park in 1961. He was recruited by Texas A&M and the University of Houston. Jack chose the Cougars because his good friend Leland Knox, also a University of Houston recruit, talked him into it. Jack was a true Cougar. Jack met his wife of 50 years, Elaine, at the University of Houston in 1963, while taking a required folk dancing class. He swore Elaine asked him to dance first, but that is up for debate! They married on August 22, 1964. They honeymooned in New Orleans, and returned there to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary this year. Jack began his career at Lubrizol in September of 1967. He was asked to move to the Bayport plant when it was opened to help with the start up. Over the years, he led by example. Jack's colleagues remember him as an outstanding leader, mentor, and friend. He was a detail-oriented, hard-working, technical-minded, perfectionist who took pride in his work. Jack was known for exemplary attendance, always doing "whatever it takes" to get the job done right. His quick wit and helpful attitude made him a popular leader. He remained at Lubrizol for 35 years, retiring as a Production Section Superintendent in 2001. In addition, Jack served as a Board Member of the Lubrizol Credit Union for 25 years. Jack was the proud father of Scott and Steve. He was known as their biggest supporter, and everyone he worked with knew all about his "boys". They remember him as loving, supportive, and honest. He was always there, and was firm and tough when he needed to be. Jack's family always came first; he did anything to make to all of their athletic games, including those in which his sons were just the coaches! He was competitive by nature, and drove both Scott and Steve to excel on and off the field. Jack coached Tiger football and youth baseball for many years. Scott and Steve will always treasure their personal memories of the time they spent with Dad. Jack took enormous pride in his four grandchildren: Megan, Austen, Jake, and Maci. He was their pal and buddy, always there to provide love, support, and encouragement. One didn't talk with Jack without learning about what his grandchildren were doing and without seeing many, many pictures of each of them. If his grandchildren were participating in an activity, you could be sure to find Jack there. His biggest joy came at the birth of his first great-grandchild, Olivia. He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Elaine, of Deer Park; sons Scott Matejka and wife Tammy of Mont Belvieu, and Steven Matejka and wife Laura of Deer Park; sister Nell Stavinoha and husband Lawrence of Rosenberg; four grandchildren: Megan Girton and husband John of Ft. Bragg, NC, and Austen Matejka of Mont Belvieu, Jake Matejka and Maci Matejka of Deer Park; and one great-grandchild, Olivia Girton; brothers-in-law Michael Ghormley and wife Cherie of LaPorte, and Craig Ghormley of Deer Park; sisters-in-law Sheryl Haselbarth and Dr. Cindy Hargis of Deer Park; and numerous nieces and nephews. Funeral Services will be held 11:00 AM Saturday at LaPorte United Methodist Church, 9601 West Fairmont Parkway, LaPorte, with Pastor Tim Dunn officiating. Interment Grandview Cemetery. Family will receive friends from 5:00 PM until 8:00 PM Friday at Deer Park Funeral Directors