Harold Eugene Matz

   Harold Eugene Matz

85, of Fort Wayne, Indiana, joyously entered the gates of heaven on Wednesday May 13, 2020 at 10:56 am.   He loved life and 'lived outside the box'.  Harold was witty, charming, had a great sense of humor and was unforgettable.  He and his wife, Linda, left quite a legacy for their children and community.

  Harold was born December 6, 1934 in Wooster, Ohio.    When he was 10 years old, his family moved to Massillon, Ohio on a big farm.   Harold graduated from Massillon High School, was in the Air Force in the mid to late 50's and was stationed in South Dakota and Okinawa, Japan as a 'bookkeeper'.  He met Linda at the Fort Wayne Children’s Home, and they were married February 23, 1963 in Piqua, Ohio.  They celebrated 46 years of marriage together.  On June 4th, 1965, Harold graduated from International Business College in Ft Wayne, Indiana.  He was an accountant and a loyal employee for twenty years at both Food Marketing in Ft Wayne and Fleetwood in Decatur, Indiana.  

    Number one in Harold's life was his God and his family. Spending time in his Bible, serving God, teaching 3rd grade Sunday school and helping with all kinds of church projects were a joy for him.  A favorite verse was John 3:16 and the parable of the little boy who brought five loaves and two fish to Jesus.  Harold and Linda were very involved in missions, started 3 food banks and worked with inner city youth doing crafts at 'Miss Virginia's'. 

 Reading to his kids and fishing and creating things out of wood with his grandsons were special times for him.   He stayed busy with numerous hobbies which included lots of woodworking, gardening, scouting, nature, fishing, building models with his son-in-law and making 3 kinds of candy and apricot bread (yummy) at Christmas time.  He shared his love of sports with his children and grandchildren by coaching them and attending every one of their games that he could.  He enjoyed genealogy and building an amazing model train set that filled an entire bedroom!  One of his favorite things to do was taking his little dog, Valentine for a walk.

 He loved giving of himself and his time.  His support of his family and their interests knew no bounds.  Whatever hobby or career someone took on, Harold found ways to be involved and to show his unfailing love and encouragement.  He also donated blood regularly at the Red Cross.  He was a universal donor and was privileged to be able to donate to infants.

   Harold was a true man of integrity...always trying to do the right thing.  He was very patient and loyal.  He taught us to respect all people, nature, and our country.   Ingrained in us was “If you say you're going to do something, do it to the best of your ability.  If you're not going to do it, let them know as soon as possible.”   He stepped up to be a wonderful father-figure and role model for his grandsons, and his son-in-law is so grateful how Harold always accepted him as his own son.

  Preceded in death were his father, Harold Leo Matz, his mother Verna Angeline and his loving wife, Linda Leone (Fuller) Matz.  Surviving are his three children: daughter Cara Emily (Matz) and Shaun Eric Bair of New Haven, IN, daughter Gretchen Joy Beasley of Cleveland, OH, and son John Darrin and Donna Elaine Matz of Evansville, IN.    Harold has five grandchildren: granddaughters Aysia Symonne, Torri Keone and Monet Celisse Matz; grandsons Jamar Dorrian and J'Van Devan Beasley.  Great-grandchildren  are Layla Alanna, Nyla Armoni and Kai Joy-Simone Beasley.

   There will be a private service.  Monetary gifts can be sent to the Associated Churches Food Bank or Heartland Hospice.

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