Casey A. Matt, 98, died in his sleep on Monday, Dec. 22, 2008 surrounded by loving family at home.
Mr. Matt was born as Kasajanas Matukitis in Spring Valley, IL. He left after high school and eventually settled in Escalon in 1930, where he was the owner of Casey's Texaco until retirement in 1975.
Throughout his long life, he loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman and continued camping and hiking into his nineties. His garden, hunting dogs and pets, friends, and most of all his family, brought him great joy. A gentle man with kind words, he had a big heart and always a smile. His attitude about life will always be an inspiration to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Opal; children, Claudia Matukitis, Deborah Herrera and Greg Matukitis; grandchildren, Chad and Brett Deegan, Tim Matt, Cassie Micheletti, Nathan and Colin Herrera; and six great-grandchildren, Megan, Chad, Chip, Casey and Haile Deegan, and Hayden Micheletti.
His eldest son, Jerry Matt, followed him in death one week later.
A service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Saron Lutheran Church in Escalon. A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice in Modesto.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Jan. 14, 2009
Mr. Matt was born as Kasajanas Matukitis in Spring Valley, IL. He left after high school and eventually settled in Escalon in 1930, where he was the owner of Casey's Texaco until retirement in 1975.
Throughout his long life, he loved the outdoors and was an avid sportsman and continued camping and hiking into his nineties. His garden, hunting dogs and pets, friends, and most of all his family, brought him great joy. A gentle man with kind words, he had a big heart and always a smile. His attitude about life will always be an inspiration to his family.
He is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Opal; children, Claudia Matukitis, Deborah Herrera and Greg Matukitis; grandchildren, Chad and Brett Deegan, Tim Matt, Cassie Micheletti, Nathan and Colin Herrera; and six great-grandchildren, Megan, Chad, Chip, Casey and Haile Deegan, and Hayden Micheletti.
His eldest son, Jerry Matt, followed him in death one week later.
A service will be at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 17 at the Saron Lutheran Church in Escalon. A celebration of life with family and friends will be held at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances may be made to Community Hospice in Modesto.
The Escalon (Calif.) Times
Jan. 14, 2009
