Thoedore Matlack

Theodore 'Pappy' Matlack

CASPER -- Funeral services for Theodore "Pappy" Matlack, 86, will be conducted at 11 a.m. Tuesday, October 24, 2006, in the Oregon Trail State Veterans' Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the United Veterans Council and the Wyoming National Guard. Cremation has taken place.

He died Thursday, October 19, 2006, in Casper.

He was born Nov. 19, 1919, in Salina, Pa., the son of Joseph and Josephine Pearl (Hildebrand) Matlack. He was raised and educated in Pennsylvania and at the age of 16 he started working in the coal mines.

He entered the U.S. Army during WWII, serving in London. After the war he moved to Recluse where he worked at the Recluse Store. During the Korean Conflict he re-enlisted in the Army, serving as a medic in the front lines.

On Feb. 6, 1954, he married Estella Smith in Latrobe, Pa.

Throughout his military career he lived in many states and several places in Europe. In 1967 the family moved to Wyoming after his retirement from 23 years of service in the Army. In the early 1970s he worked for Sentinel Geophysical for several years.

He was a member of the VFW, American Legion, and the Moose.

Survivors include his wife, Estella Matlack; two sons, Tom and Dennis Matlack; two daughters, Jo Ann Watson and her husband and Beth Coons and her husband, all of Casper; sister, Elsie Michelson of California; seven grandchildren; and four great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson, Carlos Matlack; two sisters; and five brothers.

Memorials may be made to an organization of the donor's choice.

Newcomer Family Funeral Home will be in charge of the arrangements.