Catarino Mata, Sr.

Catarino Burtchell Mata

Catarino Burtchell Mata, 94, lovingly known as “Cat”, of Wharton, Texas passed away on Friday, January 11, 2019 at Oakbend Medical Center in Richmond, Texas. He was born on March 22, 1924 in Rancho Blanco, Wharton County, Texas to Emelio Mata and Ella Burtchell Mata of Lane City, Texas.

He was raised and attended school in the Wharton County area. He joined the United States Navy during World War II. As a Seaman First Class, he was twelve months sea duty aboard the destroyer USS Mitchell. He was stationed in Guam, before returning to the United States. He was discharged honorably on July 30, 1946.

He married Alice Becerra on April 12, 1954 in Wharton, Texas. Catarino’s years of employment included working eleven years for Wharton ISD schools, six years for the City of Wharton and twelve years for the United States Postal Service.  He retired from the United States Postal Service on July 1, 1990.  Cat was a member of Mount Carmel Catholic Church for many years. After retirement, he became actively involved in the community as a volunteer. He started volunteering at both Wharton Manor and Avalon Nursing Facilities, as well as Gulf Coast Medical Hospital.

Well known for his dominoes playing ability; he was always ready for a good challenge. He found much enjoyment in having annual gardens and used his talents in assisting with creating a “prayer garden” for Avalon Nursing Facility residents. He was also instrumental in planting a vegetable garden for the residents at both facilities. While volunteering at the Avalon Nursing Facility, he modestly accepted the “Volunteer of the Year” award, always believing in the gift of giving to others.

He is survived by his daughters: Alicia Mata and husband, Patrick Prekurak from Houston, Ella Mata from Rosenberg, Hortensia Severson from The Woodlands, Rebecca Bowers and husband, Alvin Bowers from Richmond, Lupe Mata from Wharton, Sylvia Broussard and husband, Mike Broussard from Groves, and son: Catarino Mata, Jr. from Groves, sisters: Santos Valerio, Dora Negrete, Lupe Enriquez, Mona Mata and Mary Mata, and brothers: Alex, Nick, Demas and Lee Mata, Jr., and 17 grandchildren, 32 great grandchildren and 3 great- great grandchildren, and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Alice Mata, infant daughter, Mary Jane Mata, son, Frankie Becerra, grandson, Mark Xavier Mazur, his parents, Emelio Mata and Ella Burtchell Mata, one sister, Beatrice Mata Pulido, and one brother, Joe Mata, who are lovingly awaiting him.

Visitation will be held on Tuesday, January 15, 2019 at the Chapel of Wharton Funeral Home after 5 pm with a rosary recited at 7 pm. Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Wednesday, January 16, 2019 at 10 am at Holy Family Catholic Church in Wharton with Fr. Bob Knippenberg celebrating.  The Rite of Committal will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park Cemetery.  Serving as pallbearers will be Mark Mata, Joshua Mata, Anthony Gonzales, Gino Bowers, Matthew Mata, and Mike Broussard.

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