Marvin Matus lived a full life for 87 years and was surrounded by family throughout his final journey. He was born to Frank and Albina Matus in 1933 in Penelope, Texas. His father died when he was just 15 years old and he gained a wonderful family when his mom married V.J. Svrcek, also a widower. After graduating from West High School, Marvin moved to work in Dallas before joining the army.

In 1956 Marvin married the love of his life, Helen Makovy. They celebrated 64 years of marriage in June 2020. Marvin was a social soul who volunteered for various organizations throughout his life. Marvin and Helen were members of the St Pius X Catholic church in Dallas for 48 years before moving to East Texas.

While a Boy Scout Master, he took Troop 707 on a hiking trip to Philmont Boy Scout Ranch and brought back great stories of the New Mexico wilderness.  A design draftsman/engineer by trade for a printer manufacturer and Levi Strauss, he attended Eastfield College studying HVAC, and in the later years at Levi. Marvin started M&M Air Conditioning and Heating Service where he served customers throughout the DFW area, many of whom became friends.

Marvin and wife, Helen, found square dancing in 1970 and kept do-si-do-ing across the U.S. through 2017 (47 years). They were life members of the Stone Steppers Square & Round Dance Club. Over the years, they served as Club President and every other office. They also served as Nortex Square & Round Dance Association Presidents as well as Texas State Federation of Square & Round Dance Presidents. In 2010, the Nortex Square & Round Dance Association honored Marvin and Helen by giving them a special award after their many years of service – the Marvin & Helen Matus Lifetime Achievement Award. They also enjoyed many years of traveling to Colorado to a square and round dance retreat destination where they danced every day and discovered the region with friends.

Growing up in the country, they longed to return to a similar landscape so they moved to the Wills Point/Canton area in 2004, where Marvin spent time gardening and helping to take care of the place. As parishioners at St. Therese Catholic Church in Canton, Marvin helped whenever possible including the weekly East Texas Food Bank distribution and parish hall maintenance crew. Always social, helpful, and kind. He was always ready for a game of dominoes, Taroky, maybe a beer, but for sure a nightly bowl of Blue Bell. Marvin developed life-long friendships whether it was at church or the gym. Living across the pasture watching their grandkids grow up was a blessing. His family remains to be the  best treasures of his life.

Marvin is preceded in death by his Father Frank and Albina Matus; step-father VJ Svrcek; brother, Fr Walter Matus; step-brothers Edward Svrcek, Johnny Svrcek, and step-brother-in-law, Joe Mach.

Marvin is survived by his wife, Helen; his children, Richard, Nancy and Brian Thompson, Mike and Carrie Matus, Greg and Jude Matus; and his grandchildren, Nicole, Kelsey, and Penelope; great-granddaughter Bryer Lynn; step-brother Willie Svrcek and wife Eileen, Herman Svrcek and wife Sue, step-sister Lilian Mach, and step-sister-in-law Millie Svcrek.

A rosary will be said for Marvin at 10:30 a.m.  followed by a Celebration of Life Mass at 11:00 a.m. at St Therese Catholic Church located at 885 1st Monday Lane, Canton, TX.  In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Marvin's name to St Therese food pantry which provides benefits to the community.