Ernest James Matlock

Ernest James “E.J.” Matlock, 93, of Houston,Texas, passed away on Friday, November 29th, 2019 in Houston, Texas. Ernest was born on November 5th, 1926 in Columbus, Texas to Jim and Bessie (Dolezal) Matlock. Two months after his birth, his mother died from pneumonia. After a period of mourning, his father decided to seek both a wife, and a mother for his son. Jim married Mary Macek in July,1928. Ernest gained two sisters at this time, Frances (Denton) and Amelia (Tofte). His father and new mother went on to have four additional children; Annie Mae (Rejsek), Rosie (Rogers), James, and Helen (Heimann). Ernest grew up on a farm in Booth, Texas. He picked cotton and harvested corn until he was old enough to enlist in the service. During World War II, he served honorably in the Pacific as a member of the U.S. Navy. He worked on a P.T. boat, delivering supplies to the troops onshore. He was injured after one of the boats he was working on blew up on its way to deliver explosives. After the war, Ernest moved to Houston. It was there he met and married the love of his life, Regina Thompson. They shared their life with one daughter and five sons. Most of Ernest’s career was spent in the grocery business, particularly in produce. Over the years, he worked for various retail grocery stores such as Weingarten’s, Food Giant, and Gerland’s. When Ernest and Regina moved to Dime Box, Texas in the late 70s, he worked for a construction company, then Brookshire Brothers in Giddings, Texas. Later, he worked for the school, feed store, and lumber company, all in Dime Box. There were many other jobs in between during his life. He was a fine provider for his family. He and Regina were members of Holy Family Catholic Church in Stafford, Tx, St Joseph’s Catholic Church in Dime Box, Tx, and St Leo’s Catholic Church in Houston, Tx during their marriage. Most recently, they were given pastoral care by the lay ministers at Prince of Peace Catholic Church in Houston, Tx while residing at their nursing home. In addition to his parents, Ernest was preceded in death by all of his siblings, and his son, Quinn Gerard Matlock. Survivors include his wife of 69 years, Regina; children, Diane (Joe) Roberts, Jerry (Arlene) Matlock, David (Peggy) Matlock, Robert (Thao Ly) Matlock, James (Paria) Matlock; grandchildren Vincent and Gina Roberts, Matthew and Joseph Matlock, and step grandchildren Brian (Anna) and Blake (Amy) Boyter; 5 great grandchildren; his 92 years young Aunt Annie Dolezal of Palacios, Tx, her children Helen and Billy Dolezal, and a large extended family, as well as many friends. His services, officiated by Deacon Don Ries of Richmond, were held Tuesday, December 3rd in the Chapel of Davis-Greenlawn Funeral Home in Rosenberg, Tx. He was buried afterwards with military honors by American Legion Post 271 of Rosenberg in Greenlawn Memorial Park. Serving proudly as pallbearers were grandchildren and nephews, Vincent, Gina, and Michael Roberts, Matthew Matlock, John Heimann, and Terry Matlock. We thank all of you mentioned above for your service to our family. The Matlock family would like to thank Dr. M. Hanif and all other doctors, nurses and staff who assisted in Ernest’s care during his five years at Willowbrook RRC, especially in his final weeks. We would also like to thank Davis-Greenlawn, especially Tyler and Kathy, for their impeccable care and attention to our needs during our time of sorrow. Words of condolence may be left for the family at www.davisgreenlawnfh.com. If desired, donations may be made in Ernest’s name to Wounded Warriors.

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Ernest James Matlock

November 5, 1926 - November 29, 2019