Ronnie Joe Matus

Ronnie Joe Matus, age 66, of West, passed away Monday afternoon, August 23, 2021 at his residence near Tours. A rosary will be recited 4:00 pm Sunday at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, followed by visitation until 6:00 pm. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 10:00 am Monday, August 30, 2021 at St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption in West, with Rev. Walter Dhanwar and Msgr. Isidore Rozycki as celebrants. Military Graveside Rites will follow at St. Martin's Cemetery in Tours, conducted by West Veterans Honor Guard. Masks and social distancing are encouraged for all services. Ronnie was born November 6, 1954 in Waco, the son of Herman and JoAnn (Marek) Matus. He was a graduate of St. Mary's School and a 1973 graduate of West High School. After high school, Ronnie enlisted in the United States Army Reserves and served for six years. On August 18, 1979 he was united in marriage to Carol Schroeder in Tours. He started his career on July 30, 1973 working for Tymco Inc., building regenerated air sweepers for companies all over the world and was currently supervisor of final inspection with a total of 48 years of service. Ronnie also worked for West Playdium Pool and Westex Welding. He was honored by the West Summer League on May 9, 2013 for over 30 years of service as an umpire and coach while throwing in the first pitch for the opening game. Ronnie was treasurer and maintenance grounds keeper for the St. Martin's Cemetery Association for over 20 years and a sponsor for the Mike and Wanda Hutyra Memorial Tank Buster fishing tournament. He was a member of St. Martin's Catholic Church and served on St. Martin's Parish Council for several years. Ronnie was also a member of American Legion, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post #4819, West Veterans Honor Guard, Catholic Life, Knights of Columbus Council #2305 in West, and a former member of West Volunteer Fire Department. Ronnie was very simple and enjoyed deer hunting, especially with his godfather, Uncle Joe, fishing with his sons and grandchildren, watching football, dominoes with his friends, having a cold pivo, helping others in need and heading out to Win Star to play the slot machines. He cherished time with his family, especially his sons and grandchildren. Ronnie will truly be missed by all of his family. Survivors include his beloved wife of 42 years, Carol Matus of West; his sons, Ronnie Joe "R.J." Matus Jr. and Amanda of West, Brian Matus, and Adam Matus and Kelsey, both of Tours; his parents, Herman and JoAnn Matus; four sisters, Janice Kaluza and husband Freddie, Susan Kucera and husband David, Patricia Holy and husband Richard, Michelle Hutyra and husband Johnny; two brothers, Kenneth Matus and Michael Matus and wife Stephanie; his cherished grandchildren, Braxtyn, Bristol and Lakelynn; his granddog, Winston; and many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Active pallbearers are Matthew Matus, Justin Boyd, Phillip Kucera, Thomas Kucera, Zachary Boyd and Mark Sinkule. Honorary pallbearers are his cousins, Jake and Randy Sulak, and all of the staff and employees of Tymco Inc. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Martin's Cemetery Association or St. Martin's Catholic Church.