Albert Matus

Albert Matus, age 83, of West, Texas, passed away peacefully at his home in the early morning hours of November 8, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.

The family will receive visitors from 9:00 to 10:00 a.m. Wednesday at Aderhold Funeral Home in West. A graveside service will be held 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, November 12, 2025 at Prairie Hill Cemetery in Prairie Hill, Texas, with Nilda Roman officiating.

Born on October 8, 1942, near Abbott, Texas, Albert spent his entire life in the West community: a place he helped build in every sense of the word. Raised on a farm, he learned early the values of hard work, loyalty, and integrity from his father, lessons that shaped his life and the lives of those around him.

Albert began his working life at Young Brothers, Inc., before founding Matus Welding Co., where his creativity and mechanical ingenuity earned him the respect of friends and colleagues alike. He later joined the City of West, serving faithfully for 35 years and retiring in 2004 as Director of Public Works. Over the years, he also ran an independent backhoe and construction business, opened the town's first laundromat with his lifelong friend and partner Marvin Gerik, and built his own family home largely with salvaged materials, a testament to his self-taught engineering mind and unyielding work ethic.

At 18, Albert joined the armed forces but received an honorable discharge to care for his ailing father-a choice that reflected the quiet strength and devotion that defined him. Though he left school after seventh grade, he later earned his GED and went on to receive numerous professional certifications and awards throughout his career.

Albert's passions extended far beyond work. He found joy in building, tinkering, and inventing; in camping and fishing with friends and family; and in competing in local cook-offs, where his chili was often a winner. He loved nothing more than working outdoors in his shed, surrounded by the hum of tools and the company of his beloved dogs, especially Angel Bunny and Chewy.

Albert was preceded in death by his parents, John and Elizabeth Matus; his brother, Clarence Matus; his stepdaughter, Rhonda Flores; and his granddaughter, Carrlie Farrar-Pesina.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 46 years, Cherri Matus of West; his daughter, Celeste Farrar and son-in-law Charlie Farrar of Elm Mott; his son, Douglas Matus and daughter-in-law Paige Wheat, and granddaughter, June Matus of Austin; his grandchild, Cecelia Froman of Elm Mott; and numerous great-grandchildren.

Serving as pallbearers will be Douglas Matus, Paige Wheat, Charlie Farrar, Mike Wheat, Zach Wheat, Beau Tyler, and Michael Boyett.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Albert's name to the West Volunteer Fire Department, where he once served proudly as Fire Chief.

Albert's life was one of service, craftsmanship, and quiet generosity; a man who built not only structures but relationships, and who left his family and community stronger for his devotion.