Everisto Vasquez Matta Jr.'s Obituary
Everisto Vasquez Matta, Jr. passed away peacefully on August 28, 2025 at the age of 89. He was affectionately called Dad, Popo, and Boy by those closest to him. He was born on May 24, 1936 in Marfa, Texas and grew up in Pecos, Texas. It was there that he met the love of his life, Victoria Duarte. They married in 1956 and started a family, moving from Pecos to Odessa to Albuquerque to San Angelo before finally landing in Dallas, Texas.
Everisto was a Veteran of the United States Marine Corps, enlisting at the young age of 17. He attained the rank of Private First Class, attended Combat Engineering School at Camp Pendleton, and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal upon his honorable discharge. He proudly recalled being the fastest runner in his entire company, making for a disgruntled bunch of Marines when Matta was leading the morning jogs.
Everisto was always a hard worker, providing for his wife and kids (and eventually his grandkids and great-grandkids), oftentimes with multiple jobs at a time. His longest career position was as a truck driver with Minyard Food Stores and was the company from which he retired after many years of service. He had also worked part-time for R.J. Reynolds Tobacco Company, ironically starting that position one week after he stopped smoking. During his time there, Everisto developed a prototype for cigarette racks that were then produced and used company-wide. It was through his employment at R.J. Reynolds that he purchased his famous gray van in the car deal of a lifetime.
A devout Catholic his entire life, Everisto had a particular devotion to the Virgin Mary even hosting the Our Lady of Fatima statue in his Farmers Branch home during Her pilgrimage. He prayed the Chaplet of the Divine Mercy daily with his wife Victoria and always asked God to watch over his family and loved ones. He never missed an opportunity to say “may God bless you” and was always up for a conversation about religion and Jesus. His faith was steadfast, and it was because of that faith that he drew strength and courage from our Lord throughout his entire life.
Everisto was happiest when he was surrounded by his family. In addition to their six children, he and Victoria had 16 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren. Whether it was cheering on the Dallas Cowboys together, celebrating Easter at the park, going fishing, having a cookout, or indulging in any and every dessert, he deeply enjoyed being with his loved ones and said the house was happy when family was around. He was always quick to pass around a pack of gum during these gatherings too. He took prideful care of his Farmers Branch homes, tended to his gardens, and always welcomed all. Forever the Dad and Popo, he would always ask that we call once we got home. His absence will be felt deeply each and every day, yet his memory and legacy live on in those he raised and loved.
Everisto is preceded in death by his parents Teresa and Everisto Matta; son Pedro Matta; son-in-law Randy Jackson; and sisters Celia Castillo, Delia Alvarez, and Teresa “Veyve” Natividad.
Everisto is survived by his loving wife Victoria of 69 years; daughters Victoria Jackson, Rosemary Vargas (Ray), and Lina Martinez; sons Gilbert Matta and Everett Matta (Michelle); sister Delma Navarette (Prisciliano); and brothers Fred “Caico” Matta, Domingo Matta, Luy Vasquez (Brenda), and George Matta (Corina).
A visitation will be held at Restland Funeral Home on Monday, September 15 from 5:00 - 8:00 p.m., 13005 Greenville Ave., Dallas, TX, 75243. We will offer a rosary in his memory at 6:30 p.m.
The funeral mass will be celebrated on Tuesday, September 16 at 11:00 a.m. at Mary Immaculate Catholic Church, 2800 Valwood Pkwy, Farmers Branch, TX, 75234.
Everisto will then be laid to rest with military honors at Dallas-Fort Worth National Cemetery, 2000 Mountain Creek Pkwy, Dallas, TX, 75211.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in his memory to America Needs Fatima.
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