Dick Matula

Richard Dean Matula, 87, died July 4, 2017, in Casper, WY. He was born May 20, 1930, in Colome, SD, to Jerry and Velma Matula.

Dick graduated from Gordon High School in 1948. He attended Chadron State College and also Northwest University at Chicago. He played football and basketball during his high school and college days. He was on the only Chadron State College Football team to go to a bowl game, the Bean Bowl. His positions were as punter and defensive tackle.

He held many positions of employment. He was a ranch hand at Saults Cross Five and the Metzger Ranches. He delivered for Fairmont Foods, Cawley's, Harris Sales, Wonder Bread, Frito Lay and Hostess under Matula Distributing. He had Jack and Jill Grocery Stores in Gordon and Chadron, Matula Farm and Quarter Horses, Matula Custom Hay Hauling, D & D Custom Hay Hauling, Matula Oil Company, South 40 Steakhouse and Lounge, and Marlans' Western Café.

Dick married Joan Martin on August 13, 1950, in Riverton, Wyoming, and they eventually settled in Gordon where his hardest job was probably corralling their four boys. Jo was always there with Dick no matter where their journey took them.

Dick was a member of the Jaycees, President of the Quarter Back Club, Chamber of Commerce and an Honorary member of the Sioux Tribe. He loved horses, from breeding and breaking them and just riding. He enjoyed arrowhead hunting, fishing, hunting all over the panhandle, snowmobiling, bowling, golfing and boating became a passion with the "Blue Goose". He also loved attending rodeos and pow wow activities. He was very passionate about his relationship with people.

He is survived by his four sons; Jerry (Lila) Matula, Tony (Barb Stava) Matula, Rick (Linda) Matula and David (Kathy) Matula, sister DeOnna (Kenneth) Anderson, 11 grandchildren and 15 great-grandchildren. Dick died just seventeen days after his loving wife Jo, who passed away June 17, 2017.

The family suggests memorials to the Gordon Meals on Wheels or the Gordon Food Pantry and donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain-Pier Funeral Home, PO Box 366, Gordon, NE 69343.
The family suggests the public wear Husker apparel to Dick's service, but please remove your hat during the service.

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