Carolyn Mattes' Obituary
Lenora Caroline Mattes, known as Carolyn, of Decatur, TX, passed
away on Wednesday,October 28, 2015 at the age of 92.
A Graveside Service will be held at 11:00am, Saturday, July 23,
2016 in Fairlawn Cemetery with Rev. Joe Lawson
officiating.
Carolyn was born on July 20, 1923 in Vandalia, Illinois to John
Eakin and Earl Lenora Filer, both of Vandalia. She had
two sisters and one brother, all of whom preceded
her in death - Eunice Irene Frisch of Leesburg,
Florida; Maurice Filer Eakin of Englewood,
Florida; and Mary Madalyn Eakin of Salida,
Colorado.
She attended schools in Vandalia, and transferred her high
school credits to Columbia School, Tucson, Arizona, where she
received her diploma on April 26, 1960.
Carolyn married Harold Estes Mattes, Major Retired USAF, also of
Vandalia, in St. Louis, MO on March 31, 1940. He preceded her
in death on March 27, 1994. Being a military wife, she lived
in Texas, New Mexico, New Hampshire, North Carolina and
Germany. Her main occupation was homemaker, but she
also was a sales clerk at Sawyer's Mills in Dover, New
Hampshire. She loved playing bridge, which she played into
her late 80's, and volunteered over 4500 hours with the hospital
auxiliary in Decatur, TX.
They had three children - Clara Joanne and husband Lt.
Col. (ret) Dan R. McKinney of Decatur, TX; Capt.
Stanley Harold Mattes, USAF, deceased; and Pamela Sue and husband
David Ernest Rouleau of Paradise, TX.
They had six Grandchildren: Mylee Michelle Johnson and husband
Gary; Dan R. McKinney, Jr and wife Diana; David Scott McKinney and
wife Marine; and Mia Marina Russo and husband Gil; Stanley Harold
Rouleau and wife Danelle; and Jeffrey Nelson Rouleau and wife
Michelle.
Nine Great Grandchildren: Westin and Rylee McKinney, Haley
Lenore and Mathew Johnson, Chase Russo, David and Braden Rouleau,
and Ethan and Olivia Rouleau.
And many nieces and nephews whom she loved.
Carolyn was a strong person. She had a hard life, growing up
during the Depression, being a military wife with three children,
and some serious health problems, but she never gave up. She loved
her family, and she would be very pleased at the turnout today.
What’s your fondest memory of Carolyn Mattes?
What’s a lesson you learned from Carolyn Mattes?
Share a story where Carolyn Mattes' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Carolyn Mattes you’ll never forget.
How did Carolyn Mattes make you smile?