Douglas Matey

Douglas Andrew Matey, 94, of Kerrville, Texas, passed away peacefully on July 19th, 2018, holding the hand of his best friend and beloved wife of 74 years.\r\n \r\nThe eldest of five children, Doug was born on January 28, 1924 to Andrew Matey and Anna Hudish Matey in Bridgeport, Connecticut. After graduating from Bridgeport Central High School in 1941, he apprenticed as a tool and die maker with the General Electric Company while also attending Bridgeport Engineering Institute. Devotion to country interrupted his education and employment. In 1942, after the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the US entry into World War II, Doug enlisted in the US Marine Corps. On August 26, 1944, on leave before being deployed to the Pacific theater, 2nd LT Matey married his high school sweetheart, Marion Patricia Holly, at Holy Trinity Slovak Lutheran Church in Bridgeport, Connecticut. Doug spent the remainder of the war proudly serving as a fighter pilot, based in the Marshall Islands, flying all-weather combat aircraft, including his favorite, the Corsair. In early 1946, the war over, Doug returned home to Bridgeport. Always the engineer and never daunted by a challenge, Doug purchased a surplus military Quonset hut and turned it into the first home for his growing young family. It remains intact today, still occupied as a residence.\r\n \r\nDoug's patriotism was called upon again during the Korean War. He rejoined the Marines in 1952 and served an additional 17 months on active duty, this time piloting jet fighters. He retired as a Captain from the US Marine Corps Reserves in 1958.\r\n \r\nDoug was able to complete his engineering education while working to support his family. He remained with General Electric his entire career, working on the ordinary: washers, dryers and aircraft engines; but also engineering things truly out of this world - hinted at by the rocket nosecone replica on his desk from "the boys at Cape Canaveral". His work advanced from tool & die making in Connecticut, to Manufacturing Methods Supervisor for home laundry and heating-cooling in Trenton, New Jersey, to Engineer and Shop Operations Manager of Missile & Space Division in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, then on to Manager of Manufacturing Engineering at GE Aircraft Engine Division in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and then Manager of Aircraft Engine Overhaul & Repair in Cincinnati, Ohio. Doug's final assignments for GE took him and Marion to Greece, France and Australia, where they lived while he worked on multi-year projects as GE's chief Manufacturing Engineering Consultant to various aircraft engine facilities. After more than 45 years, Doug retired in 1987, recognized by GE for a "distinguished career" and for his "dedication ... loyal service... and many contributions."\r\n \r\nDoug, with Marion by his side, enjoyed an active retirement in Albuquerque, New Mexico. They traveled, golfed, and played bridge with their many friends. Doug became an accomplished guitarist and vocalist, performing at local events with his band, but he was happiest serenading his love. In 2007, he and Marion moved to Kerrville, Texas to be closer to family.\r\n \r\nThroughout his life, Doug gave generously of his time and talents to his church and community, and was the first in line to help a friend or neighbor in need. In his final years, Doug devoted himself utterly and completely to caring for his beloved wife. He and Marion remained inseparable to the end, enjoying the simple pleasure of just being together.\r\n \r\nPatriotic American, devoted husband, loving father, role model, inspiration, and bedrock of his family, Doug was the epitome of commitment He will be remembered for his steadfast determination, untiring diligence, and enduring spirit. His was a worthy and honorable life. His family thanks God for the gift of this good man. He is dearly missed.\r\n \r\nDoug was preceded in death by his only daughter, Holly Ann Matey Biglari Craft;by his youngest son, Andrew Stephen Matey; by his son-in-law, Siamak Biglari; by his parents, Andrew and Anna Matey; by his brother, Herbert Arnold Matey; and by sisters and brothers-in law, Harriet Johnson Matey, Loree Carter Matey, John and Sophie Holly, William and Emily Holly, Jean and John Tabak, Ann and Peter Stempert, and Paul and Alice Holly.\r\n \r\nHe is survived by his wife, Marion; by his sons, Douglas Andrew Matey Jr. and wife, Kathleen, and David Michael Matey and wife, Dori; by his son-in-law, Hal Craft; by his sister, Joan Ann Mallory; and his brothers, John Arthur Matey, and Robert Igor Matey and wife, Patricia; by eight grandchildren, Megan Matey, Douglas Matey III and wife Jennifer, Melinda Matey Williams and husband Robert, Andrew Matey, Sarah Matey Snyder and husband Joseph, Matthew Matey and wife Jessica, Aaron Matey and wife Anna, and Heather Matey; by fifteen great-grandchildren, Luke, Zachary, Charles and Mia Donovan; Douglas IV "Fourdam", Aiden and Kendall Matey; Robert "Owen", Sydney and Ethan Williams; Henry and Harry Snyder; Summer Matey; and Borianna and Alexander Matey; and by many loving nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews.\r\n \r\nPrivate services and burial are planned.\r\n \r\nThe family would like to thank all the many caregivers, medical professionals and home health and facilities staff that cared for him.\r\n \r\nIn lieu of flowers, the family suggests a donation to your favorite Veterans, First Responder, or Wounded Warrior organization.\r\n \r\n