Daniel Amador Mata

Amador “Daniel” Mata, 75, of Wharton, passed away peacefully with his family at his side on Tuesday, June 30, 2015. He was born April 30, 1940 in Wharton, Texas to parents Daniel Mata Sr. and Simona Castillo Mata. Daniel was raised in the Wharton area and attended Crescent schools. On July 29, 1972, he married Beatriz Salinas who preceded him in death on August 29, 2001. He worked for many years at Texasgulf and later for Wharton ISD. Following his retirement there, he began working at Wharton County Junior College. He enjoyed dancing, traveling, carpentry (woodworking), and making road trips to museums. In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his parents, his daughter Diana Mata, sisters, Margarita Mata and Modesta Escamilla, and brothers, Baby Victor Mata and Robert Mata Sr. Visitation was held on Thursday, July 2, 2015 with a Rosary recited at 7 pm. Funeral services were held Friday, July 3, 2015 at 10 am at Our Lady of Mt Carmel Catholic Church with Father Ty Bazar officiating. Interment followed at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Serving as pallbearers were Robert Mata, Jr., Brian Mata, Victor Mata, Gilbert Sanchez, Anthony Whitington, and Tommy Sanchez. Robert Daniel Escamilla served as honorary pallbearer. Daniel is survived by his daughter, Veronica Tijerina and husband, Terry of Wharton, sisters, Janie Sanchez of Needville and Mary Jones and husband, Michael of Palestine, brother, Lupe Mata and wife, Lucy of Wharton, grandchildren, Anthony Daniel Whitington, Khloe Danielle Tijerina, T.J. Tijerina, and many nieces, nephews, and friends. Funeral services were under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home. Condolences can be made at whartonfuneralhome.com