Alexander Burtchell Mata

Alexander Burtchell Mata

Alexander Burtchell Mata, 93, of Wharton, passed away on Friday morning December 13, 2019 at an El Campo Memorial Hospital following a brief illness.  He was born on May 3, 1926, in Lane City, Texas to the late Emilio Mata Sr and Ella Burtchell Mata.

Alex was raised in Lane City and attended school there. He worked as a rancher all his life. Alex married Lillie Rodriguez on August 20, 1949 in Wharton. She preceded him in death on March 9, 1995. He enjoyed baseball, hunting, fishing, attending WCJC Senior Citizens Program, trips to the casino, going to church picnics and bazaars, and listening to the Red Ravens. Alex loved his church, Our Lady of Mount Carmel and was in charge of maintaining the church grounds for many years. In addition to his parents and wife, he was preceded in death by his siblings, Catarino Mata, Joe Mata, Beatrice Pulido and grandchildren, Michael and Michaela Vela.

Alex is survived by his daughters, Delia “Dale” Martinez of Boling, Yvonne “Bonnie” Rodriguez of Richmond and Gloria “Bebe” Vela and husband, Michael of Wharton, Beloved Julia Rodriguez, sisters, Santos Valerio, Dora Negrete and husband, Andrew, Lupe Enriquez and husband, Johnny, Ramona “Mona” Mata and Mary Mata, brothers, Demas “Red” Mata, Emilio “Lee” Mata, Jr and wife, Rosie and Nick Mata and wife, Lucy, grandchildren, Kelly Elliott and husband, Tom, Edward Martinez and wife, Donna, Steve Rodriguez and Shelly Rodriguez and great grandchildren, Isaac Martinez, Phoenix Martinez, Saydie Martinez, Ediee Martinez, Tommy Elliott and Zeni Elliott.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, December 17, 2019 at Wharton Funeral Home after 5 pm. Rosary will be recited at 7pm. The Funeral Mass and Rite of Committal will be held on Wednesday, December 18 at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Wharton at 10 am. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery in Wharton. Serving as pallbearers will be Edward Martinez, Tom Elliott, Steve Rodriguez, Christopher Owens, Pat Garza, and Nicholas Garza.

Honorary pallbearers are David Gilbert, Gary Gilbert, Melissa Gilbert Miller, Tony Gonzales, Rene Rodriguez.

Remembrances can be made to Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Wharton or Houston Hospice El Campo.

Funeral services under the direction of Wharton Funeral Home.  Condolences may be left at www. whartonfuneralhome.com.