Bennie R. Matta

Benjamin “Bennie” Matta, the local wrestling legend and one of the co-founders of Matta’s Hill Country Playground in Sisterdale, Texas, was surrounded by his family when he went be with his Lord on Monday, November 21, 2011. He was 83 years old.

Bennie lived an adventurous life. He was born on October 5, 1928 in San Antonio, Texas to Amos Matta and Katie Rosenkranz Matta. With an inherent love for his country, he joined the United States Merchant Marines at the age of 16 and later transferred to the United States Marine Corps. While in middle school, he met his vivacious wife of 59 years, Tillie Cantu, whom he married on February 11, 1952.

An athlete all his life, he maintained a superior physique, exercising every day until his passing. He was a member of his high school swim team, where he lettered in this sport. After being honorably discharged from the Marine Corps, he embarked on a professional wrestling career that spanned over 22 years and led his family across the United States throughout the 50s and 60s. Listed on wrestling bills as Bouncing Bennie Matta or El Matador, he was a wrestler characterized by showmanship, a superior psychological advantage, and sheer athleticism. In the ring he demonstrated unmatched speed and agility with drop kicks and his trademark “mule kick,” which rendered his opponents helpless. As one of the top athletes during his time, he held three state championship belts.

He retired from the sport while at the apex of his career and together with his brother Amos, opened Matta’s Auto Supply on Castroville Road. On weekends, the Matta family also operated Matta’s Hill Country Playground, a favorite among Texas hill country residents for the great food, dances and Sunday baseball tournaments. He continued these successful businesses for many years until retirement.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother, Amos Matta, Jr., sister, Rosa Lee Villanueva, and nephew, Leo Matta. Bennie is survived by his wife, Tillie of San Antonio, Texas, his daughter, Carolyn Guajardo and husband Raymond; son, Victor Matta and wife Susan; sister-in-law, Eva Matta; sisters, Maybelle Thayn, Norma French and husband Gerry; grandchildren, Sharon Sanchez, husband Leroy, Victor Matta, Jr. and Kelly Matta, and beloved great-granddaughters Lauren and Olivia Sanchez; nephews, Robert Matta and wife Laura, Larry Thayn and wife Melanie, Jim and Alyssa French; nieces, Margo Skacevic and husband Steve, Rose Marie Alegria, Roxanne Ytuarte, Sandra Valdez and husband Alfred, and DeeAnn Dickinson and husband Heath.

Bennie Matta was a charming soft spoken man that could warm you with his smile and had a luster for life that made you happy to be around him. Bennie was loved by many and will be deeply missed.

The visitation will be held on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 5:00 p.m. followed by a Rosary from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. at Roy Akers Funeral Home located at 515 N. Main, San Antonio, Texas 78205.

Please go to www.funerariadelangelroyakers.com for online tributes.