Richard "Dick" H. Matz

Richard H. “Dick” Matz, Loving Husband, Father, Grandfather, Uncle, and Great Friend to many passed Monday, Dec. 26, 2022 at the age of 86.  He will be remembered as a good man who cared deeply for his family and friends.
He was born in Lancaster to the late Raymond Matz and Maxine (Matz) Nixon.  Attended Lancaster Schools and following graduation entered and proudly served in the United States Air Force.
After his military service he worked for Western & Southern Insurance Co.  He then worked at the Columbus Anheuser Busch Plant as a Beer Packaging and Shipping Manager.
After retiring from Anheuser Busch, he spent his time pursuing his love of the outdoors- hunting, fishing, golf, traveling and working on his “farm” a 160 acre wooded retreat in the Hocking Hills. He and his family and friends hunted for deer and turkey and enjoyed helping preserve the woodlands.  He also tended the gardens at home-both vegetable and decorative flower beds.  He liked to have a well tended yard.
Dick loved to entertain – hosting annual fish fries, golf outings and Christmas parties over the years. The more the Merrier!
He is survived by his loving wife of 35 years, Judi; son, Rick (Melissa) Matz, daughter, Michelle Kilbarger; grandson, Hunter Kilbarger, sisters, Judie (Chuck) Dennison, Carole (Gary) Carpenter and Carla (Nelson) Hicks; sister-in-law, Lauren Simms and many nieces and nephews- he was especially close to his nephew, Derk, his brother’s son, who shares his same interest in hunting and the outdoors.
He was preceded in death by his father, Raymond Matz and mother and stepfather, Maxine and Pearl Nixon; brother, Jim Matz and sister, Connie North, his mother and father-in-law, Bill and Donna Elzey, and brother-in-law, Doug Elzey.
Dick was a member of Seton Parish, Pickerington, OH.  He was also a member of the Lancaster Lions, the St. Francis Xavier Society, Ducks Unlimited, Pheasants Forever, and the National Wild Turkey Federation, and The Columbus Mannerchor.
In Lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Dicks name to the Salvation Army of Lancaster, 228 Hubert Ave, Lancaster, OH 43130; Seton Parish, 600 Hill Rd. N. Pickerington, OH 43147; St. Jude Research Hospital; 262 Danny Thomas Pl. Memphis, TN 38105; or a charity of your choice.
Caring Cremation™ has taken place through the Frank E. Smith Funeral Home. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Friday Jan. 13th, at 11AM family and friends may call one hour prior to the service at the funeral home 405 N. Columbus St. Lancaster, OH 43130.  Online condolences can be made at www.funeralhome.com