Isabel Mata

Isabel Mata, age 92, of Wharton, Texas, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 1st. He was the first of 17 children, born November 5th, 1921, in Lane City to the late Paul Mata and Isabel Casas Mata. Isabel was raised in Lane City. He married Lupe Valdez on October 24th, 1943 in Lane City before settling in Wharton. Isabel worked as a heavy equipment operator for the City of Wharton for 33 before retiring, after which he continued to work for the City an additional 12 years. His favorite activities included riding his bike, fixing cars, doing yard work and spending time with family. In addition to his parents, Isabel was preceded in death by his siblings, Pete, Emilio, Amado, Trine, Minnie, Lola, Tona and Mary. Survivors include his Wife of nearly 71 years; Lupe Mata of Wharton; daughters, Margaret Black of Houston and Lillie Barfield and husband Jimmie Barfield of Houston; sons, Pete Mata and wife, Nellie of Dallas, John Mata and Wife Diane of New Caney, Emilio Mata of Wharton and Adam Mata and wife Pam of Wharton; sisters, Beva Martin, Francis Lara, Elvira Mata, Cruz Mata and Paula Munoz; brothers, Robert, Manuel, and Frank Mata; seven granddaughters, 5 grandsons and 10 great grandchildren; as well as numerous nieces, nephews and friends. Visitation and a Rosary led by Santos Suaste and Cathy Pennington, was held on Friday evening at Wharton Funeral Home. The Funeral service will be held 10 AM Saturday, October 4th, 2014 at the chapel of Wharton Funeral Home with Rev. Michael Limas officiating. Interment will follow in Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery. A reception will be held at Grace Community Fellowship following burial. Funeral services were under the direction of the Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences can be left at whartonfuneralhome.com