Demas “Dino” Burtchell Mata, 92 of Pasadena, TX was welcomed into Heaven December 31st, 2022. Dino as he was known to all was born in Wharton, TX on December 11, 1930 to Emilio Mata and Ella Mae Mata and married to Geneva Dailey Mata for over 40 years.
He leaves his brothers Lee and Nick Mata, his sisters Santos Valerio, Dora Negrete, Lupe Enriquez, Mona Mata and Mary Mata, sons Arthur Mata, Bobby Ray Mata, step-son Raymond Paul Hernandez, daughters Joyce Altenbaugh, Nicole Mata and step-daughter Cheryl Hernandez along with numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, family and friends.
Dino was preceded in death by his parents Emilio and Ella Mae Mata - brothers: Catarino Mata, Alex Mata, Joe Mata and sister Beatrice Pulido - son Demas Mata Jr.
Dino was a proud Master Sergeant of the US Army from July 1951 to April 1953 and proudly served his county in the Korean War. Upon his release from the US Army, Dino settled back in Wharton. Dino loved cooking so much he joined the restaurant industry where he worked as a cook at Petersen's Restaurant and where he would later meet his wife Geneva at Tel-Wink Grill. After leaving the restaurant industry,
Dino worked at New Processed Steel, Wellhead Control Products in Pasadena, TX where he retired in his early 80’s.
When Dino was not cooking his delicious Menudo and flour tortillas, he loved fishing! He went on to collect vintage rods and reels and loved to spend as much time as he could on the water. He even held a record for catching a 65 lb catfish. If he was not cooking, or fishing, he was collecting vintage memorabilia and making extra money by setting up a booth at Cole’s Flea Market on weekends. Even in his later years, he would set up garage sales outside his house. Always trying to make money to make sure his family was taken care of.
If there is one thing that can be said about Dino is that he always looked out for others and helped out in any way he could. He thrived on being active and was always doing something to stay busy. As he once said “if you don’t use it, you lose it”. And boy did he use it. He lived a long life. We all thought he would live forever, but he was ready to go back home with our Lord and watch over us. His duty as a husband, father and soldier will always be remembered, cherished and the memories he left will be forever more.
The Mata family would like to thank the doctors and nurses at the VA, physical therapist Britini who cared for him as an in/out patient. Also, many thanks to Compassus Hospice in Pasadena, TX for the wonderful care by his doctor and nurses on his final days, especially Lindsey Mallard.
Pallbearers:
Nicholas Anaya, John Dailey, Isaac Hernandez, John Paul Hernandez, Giovanni Soto, and Nico Soto
Visitation will be held Monday, January 9th, 2023 at 1PM followed by a funeral service at 2PM located at Forest Park East Funeral Home located at 21620 Gulf, Fwy, Webster, TX 77598 followed by a graveside service from 3PM- 3:30PM.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ForestParkEast-FHC.com for the Mata family.
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