John Logan “Jack” Matkin
The world lost an amazing man of God on December 15, 2021, when John Logan “Jack” Matkin left this world for his heavenly home after 65 adventurous years among us. He was born on April 17, 1956, in Mt. Pleasant, Texas to Dr. Robert and Marianna Matkin.
Jack graduated from Mt. Pleasant High School in 1974. Shortly after, he was off to Southern Methodist University on an academic scholarship where he received a BBA in Accounting. While there, he played varsity football and was President of Lambda Chi Fraternity. He was honored by being chosen as a member of Who’s Who Among American College Students.
He continued his education by receiving a master’s degree in Education from the University of Vermont. From there he worked in higher education at Indiana University, Oklahoma University and Northeast Texas Community College. Feeling the calling to ministry, Jack then went on to get a Master of Divinity degree from SMU Perkins School of Theology.
Jack’s first appointment was as an Associate Minister at Wesley United Methodist Church in Greenville, Texas, followed by a year in the British Methodist Church in Barnstable, Devon, England. His next appointment was as Associate Minister at Williams Memorial United Methodist Church in Texarkana, Texas where he served for 6 years. Jack was next appointed Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Athens, Texas followed by Senior Pastor at First United Methodist Church of Longview. In July of 2012, he was called to serve at Dickinson First United Methodist Church where he pastored until his death.
Jack was a proud Eagle Scout, active with many scouting packs and troops throughout his life, including both Pack 696 and Troop 696 in Dickinson. From 2018 to 2019 he served as President of the Dickinson Rotary Club. Jack was very proud of his nine years of sobriety and was a longtime member with the Bay Area Club of Alcoholics Anonymous.
He was a huge history buff. He loved camping, hiking, and anything outdoors, including hunting fossils and rocks. Watching sports on TV was a passion of his, especially college football. Jack was competitive at indoor and outdoor games and always had dominos ready to play 42. Traveling was another favorite past time. He visited many countries and traveled widely throughout the U.S.
Jack is survived by Rhonda, his wife of almost 30 years, sons Jordan and Wesley of Austin, brother Bobby of Mt. Pleasant, brother Charles and his wife Shelly of Mt. Pleasant, sister Becky and husband David of Keithville, LA, and many nieces, nephews, friends, and parishioners.
Jack was preceded in death by his parents and sister, Emily Regina.
A Memorial Service will be held at Dickinson First United Methodist Church on Tuesday, December 21, 2021, at 1:00 p.m., reception following. This Memorial Service will be live streamed on the church’s YouTube channel. There will also be a Celebration of Life held at Tennyson Memorial United Methodist Church in Mt. Pleasant, Texas on Friday, January 7, 2022, at 4:00 p.m., reception following. In lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Dickinson First United Methodist Church, Bay Area Habitat for Humanity, The Ranch Halfway House of San Leon, or the M.I. Lewis Social Service Center.
Todd, Trevor, Sydney and I were heartbroken to learn of Jack’s passing. We remember when he and Rhonda first came to Williams and joined our Sunday School class…we had so many fun parties and get togethers! When I became very ill and was hospitalized multiple times, Jack is the one who always came to comfort me – even when I was in Dallas. Our kids grew up together, and even when we all moved away he continued to watch over us. When Trevor decided to enter the ministry, Jack was there to encourage and mentor him with the same love and attention he had always shown. Jack gave Trevor his first real job in the church and helped guide him and mold him into the man he is today. Todd and I never worried about Trevor living so far from us because we knew that Jack and Rhonda would watch over him as if he was one of their own. Jack’s love has sustained countless souls, and his absence will be felt by so many.
As we watch people going back and forth…so preoccupied with the business of life… we realize that we know something they don’t – that the world is just a little bit darker now that one of its brightest lights has faded from view. Our only consolation is the knowledge that heaven is more luminous and comforting than ever.
We love you.
Todd, Lesa, Trevor, and Sydney Warren
Matkin family, We are so sorry to hear of your loss. Jack was a kind, caring, Christian man. He will be greatly missed. With deepest condolences.
So sad to read this. Prayers for the whole family. May God give you comfort and peace at this time. Dale and Becky Vanhoose
I’m going to miss you coming into the bank. You were always happy and smiling. I could clearly see God in you. Rest well my friend. Your favorite Teller.
To the Matkin family:
I’m so sorry for the loss of Jack. I remember him from the years I worked for his dad Dr Robert Matkin. My heart goes out to all of you. May our Lord hold you close with comfort & peace.
God Bless each of you
John and Patsy Cheek.
Todd, Trevor, Sydney and I were heartbroken to learn of Jack’s passing. He will be so missed.
We remember when he and Rhonda first came to Williams and joined our Sunday School class…we had so many fun parties and get togethers! We remember the way he took the time to explain communion to the kids every time they received it, and how special that made them feel. When I became very ill and was hospitalized multiple times, Jack is the one who always came to comfort me – even when I was in Dallas. Our kids grew up together and even when we all moved away, Jack continued to watch over us. When Trevor decided to enter the ministry, Jack was right there to encourage and mentor him with the same love and attention as always. He gave Trevor his first real job in the church and helped guide him and mold him into the man he is today. We never worried about Trevor living so far away from us because we knew that Jack and Rhonda would watch over him as if he were one of their own. For these reasons – and so many more – we will always be grateful that Jack was a part of our lives.
As we watch people going back and forth – so preoccupied with the business of life – we know something they don’t…that the world has lost one of its brightest lights. The only consolation is that heaven is no doubt aglow with a new warmth and brilliance only he could bring.
We love you.
Todd, Lesa, Trevor, and Sydney Warren
I so missed not seeing Jack in the rooms during Covid. When I finally saw him again, my heart was so happy. Jack had many pearls of wisdom and is often quoted. His legacy as a calm in chaos will be carried on by those that quote his wisdom far into the future. I will miss you Jack. And to his family, thank you for sharing him with us in the rooms. We were blessed to share time and space with him.
John and I met Jack through the friendship of Jordan and our son Ty. Jack embodied all the attributes of a great family man and friend. He will be remembered by all as a man with integrity, great character and a passion to spread happiness. Ty loved his stories and kindness, which were always a part of Jack. He had a way of making all of his friends feel special, and that is really hard to accomplish in life.
I know we cannot heal the heartache of missing this wonderful man, but the love that we all have for him leaves memories no one can ever steal from us.
Gone too soon. . .
We were so very sorry to read of Jack’s passing.
You will be in our hearts and prayers.
[May] the peace of God, which surpasses all
understanding, … guard your hearts and your
minds in Christ Jesus. __Phillippians 4:7
Ailsa and Guy Anderson