Rudolph J. Matus, Jr.

Rudolph J. Matus, Jr. of West, passed away late Tuesday, March 15, 2005 at Providence Health Center in Waco. A rosary will be recited 7:00 p.m. Thursday at Aderhold Funeral Home Chapel by Deacon Buddy Shieldes. Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated 10:00 a.m. Friday at St. Mary's Catholic Church, with the Rev. Ed Karasek as celebrant. Burial will follow at St. Mary's Cemetery. Rudolph was born August 14, 1937 in McLennan County, the son of Rudolph J. and Emilie (Krenek) Matus. He attended St. Mary's and West schools. He married Helen Marie Polansky on November 19, 1960 in West. Rudolph was a plumber and electrician for Ray's Electric for 48 years. He also played the bass guitar and banjo for the West Melodians, the Henry Dulock Orchestra, the Harold Strand Orchestra, and the Charles Nemec Band. He enjoyed playing for the Over 50 Dance Club, Polka Masses, and Westfest every year. Rudolph was a lifelong member of St. Mary's Catholic Church of the Assumption, where he served as usher for the 9 am Mass. He was also a member of S.P.J.S.T. Lodge No. 6 in Cottonwood and K.J.T. Society #31 in West. Rudolph loved playing in the various bands, gambling, gardening, tinkering in the garage, and especially loved playing with his grandkids. His parents and a granddaughter, Sarah Frances Suttle preceded him in death. Survivors include his beloved wife of 44 years, Helen Matus; a son, Patrick Matus and his wife Vickie of Robinson; two daughters, Theresa Suttle and her husband Jerry of West, and Cecilia Colbert and her husband Calvin of Dallas; three brothers, Raymond Matus and his wife Lillie, Daniel Matus, and Herman Matus and his wife JoAnn, all of West; a sister Elleen Soukup and her husband George of West; father and mother-in-law, Adolf and Frances Polansky of West; four grandchildren, David & Kyle Suttle, Lexi Matus, and Madeleine Colbert; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives. Memorials may be made to St. Mary's Parish Center or the charity of your choice. Active pallbearers are Phillip Webre, Edward Nors, Michael Matus, Wesley Matus, Ronnie Matus, and Jimmy Matus. Honorary pallbearers are Harold Strand, Charlie Nemec, Eddie Miller, David Nemec, David Hooten, Greg Bashara, Richard Dixon, Bill Ray, Harry Zahirniak, and all past and present fellow band members.