Matadi Elvis Kikunga

Matadi Elvis Kikunga, loving husband, father, son, brother, friend, mentor, educator and coach, passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, December 8, 2012, in Odessa, Texas, at the age of 38. Matadi was a man of deep integrity who lived his rich spirituality and love of God in all aspects of his life. He was born to Frank King and Mary Matadi Kikunga on November 25, 1974, in Zaire, Africa (now the Democratic Republic of the Congo) and moved to the United States in 1982 and became a naturalized citizen in 2004. He graduated in 1999 from McMurry University in Abilene where he met the love of his life, Nisha Washington, and they shared their enthusiasm for sports and their zest for understanding the meaning of life. His family members were the source of his pride and joy. Enriching the lives of others by being a soldier for Christ, through his actions more than his words, was his life’s purpose. “Coach K” had a huge heart for young people and was dedicated to setting a real example to them of honesty, integrity, compassion and respect for all. He touched many through coaching and teaching at Riverwood Middle School and his involvement with Kingwood Youth Fitness. Matadi will be missed terribly by all who knew him, but will live on through his messages of wisdom which inspired so many.

Matadi is survived by his wife, Tremanisha, his son, Tahj, and his daughter, Taiya, all of Humble, and his son, Jordan Roberts, of the Dallas/Fort Worth area; by his mother, Mary Matadi Kikunga of Fort Worth; his brothers, Olivier, Frankie and Vick Matadi, and his sister, Nadine Adebayo; along with many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends. Matadi was predeceased by his father, Frank King.