Guajardo Funeral Home
Alvin Matak, 95 of Levelland, Texas, passed away on March 2nd, 2023, at his home. He was born on March 29th, 1927, to Czech parents: Pete Martin Sr. and Annie Christine (Gajdosik) Matak, in Needville, Texas. As an infant, Alvin moved with his family to Bennview (Now La Salle), Texas where he grew up and worked on the family farm and helped his dad with the water well drilling business. Alvin attended school in La Salle until the 9th grade. When he was 17 years old, to avoid being drafted during WWII, he enlisted in the Merchant Marines, where he completed culinary school and was a cook on the ships. He was then drafted into the army during the Korean war where he continued serving as a cook and became a Sargent. After switching dance partners with his friend at a dance he met the love of his life, Marjory Lou Martschinske. The couple wed on February 16th, 1952, at the Post Chapel at Ft. Lewis, Washington. They were married 63 years until Margie's passing in 2015. The couple moved 24 times and lived throughout Texas, Louisiana, and England, with the Army and Magnolia/Mobil Oil Company. They settled in Levelland in 1970. Alvin Worked for Magnolia/ Mobil Oil Co. as a Gang Pusher and retired in 1987. Alvin enjoyed woodworking, gardening, raising poultry, making homemade Czech sausage, playing bingo, playing 42 dominos, traveling to South Dakota and South Texas, going to Czech polka dances, and listening to his favorite Texas Czech polka bands. Alvin was a member of Slovanska Podporujici Jednota Statu Texas (SPJST) for over 79 years and a member of Christ Lutheran Church in Lubbock, Texas. He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his brothers, Willie Matak and Wilbert Matak; his sisters, Liddie James, Lottie Elles, Wilsie Browning, and Annie Lee Mizell. He is survived by: his two daughters, Darlys (Jesse) Hale, and Brenda (Ricky) Cookston; grandchildren, Jennifer (Marlon) Franklin, Jackie (Randall) Garrett, Jared Cookston, and Kelsey (Bryan) Parrish; two great-grandsons, Cannon and Callan Garrett; a brother, Pete Matak Jr; a sister, LaVonne Cooper, and numerous family here and in the Czech Republic. In lieu of flowers donations can be made to La Salle Community Association c/o Heather Day, 231 Weston Woods Rd Inez, Texas 77968, or Christ Lutheran Church 7801 Indiana Ave, Lubbock, Texas 79423. A viewing will be held from 9:00 am-4:00 pm on Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at Guajardo Funeral Chapels
Visitation will be held from 5:00 pm-8:00 pm on Thursday, March 9th, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church in Lubbock, Texas. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00 am on Friday, March 10th, 2023 at Christ Lutheran Church. Interment will follow in the City of Levelland Cemetery
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