Frank J. Matula (Papa 'Tula later in life), 93, of Hallettsville, passed away Jan. 1, 2012. He was born on October 27, 1918 to Valentine and Emilia Konvicka Matula in Shiner, Texas. Papa 'Tula was first generation American as his parents arrived through the Port of Galveston in the early 1900s and settled in Lavaca County. Papa 'Tula was the third youngest of fifteen children and was the last survivor; his seven brothers were Joe, John, George, Sidney, Adolph, Victor, and Valentine and seven sisters were Sister Mary Frances, Bessie Matula, Annie Matula, Emilia Mertz, Lillian Edgar, Toni Christen, and Frances Strobel. He was proud of his Czech heritage and traveled to the 'old country' in his retirement.

Papa Tula attended Pleasant Grove School and there he met Margaret Olga Mertz (later known as Mama Margaret); he served his country in World War II from February 19, 1941 until he was honorably discharged on October 17, 1945. He was a member of Company F, 409th Infantry and went overseas from April 1943 until September 1945 where he participated in campaigns and battles in Southern France and Italy. His decorations and citations included the American Defense Service Medal, EAME Campaign Medal with 5 Bronze Stars, Good Conduct Medal, 1 Service Stripe and 4 Overseas Service Bars.

On December 27th, 1945, Papa 'Tula and Mama Margaret were married in Hallettsville, Texas. He attended a Veteran's Vocational School where he became a licensed electrician and later a licensed plumber which were his professions along with farming and raising cattle. Over a span of twenty years they were blessed with seven children, three sons and four daughters. All seven children graduated from Sacred Heart Catholic School where Papa 'Tula spent countless hours volunteering at the semi-annual church picnics cooking his famous beef stew and watching his children (and grandchildren) play sports and participate in other school activities. He enjoyed barbequing for family get-togethers and is known for his 'secret sop'. He was a member of the American Legion Post 230, V.F.W. Post 6352 and a devout member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church. He also served as Director of San Bernard Electric Cooperative for over 35 years. He was a long-time supporter of the Hallettsville FFA Livestock Show. Papa 'Tula and Mama Margaret enjoyed many years of watching their family expand with in-laws and grandchildren and celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary in 1985 with a big celebration. A few short years later Mama Margaret became stricken with cancer which she fought vigilantly for over five years. With a heavy heart, Papa 'Tula was caring, loving and supportive driving her to and from many in-town and out-of-town doctor visits. On August 10th, 1992 Mama Margaret was called to heaven much too soon at the age of 68. Shortly after her passing, Papa 'Tula disclosed that he had not wanted anyone to know he was having his own health issues. He was diagnosed with cancer which he survived and recovered from fully. Once healthy, he traveled to the Czech Republic on several occasions visiting relatives and gravesites. He continued to live by himself in the home where he raised his family until 2002 when he broke his hip and moved into Stevens Convalescent and Rehabilitation Center where he remained until his passing on January 1, 2012.

Papa 'Tula is survived by his seven children and their extended families – Dennis and Cynthia Matula of Hallettsville, [Brent Matula and Robbie, David & Logan Holik]; Charles 'Snow' and Irene Matula of Hallettsville, Texas [Michael, Kelly, Macy, Margo & Jake Matula and Brian, Christina, Jackson & Lilee Matula]; Annette and Paul Henke, Sr. of Hallettsville, Texas [Angela, Tom, Megan, Luke, Ella, Will & Clare Harper; Paul, Jr., Veronica & Arianna Henke; Adam, Cortni, Braden, Avery & Brewer Henke; Joshua Henke; Sally, Kevin & Kennedy Zappe; and, Jed Henke]; David Matula of Hallettsville, Texas; Mary and Stan Hall of Schertz, Texas [Scott, Lindsay, Sage & Copeland Hall]; Cindy Matula and Fernando Sotelo of Austin, Texas [Isabella and Adriana]; and, Rebecca and Andy Tait of Richardson, Texas [Meredith, Eric, Eva and Molly]. Besides his parents, siblings and wife, Margaret Olga Matula, he was predeceased by two grandchildren: grandson, Aaron Hall, and infant granddaughter, Zoe Tait.

Funeral Mass Service: 10 am, Wednesday, Jan. 4, 2012, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church of Hallettsville. Visitation: 4 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Rosary: 7 pm, Tuesday at Kubena Funeral Home. Officiate: Rev. John Peters. Pallbearers: Brent Matula, Michael Matula, Brian Matula, Paul Henke Jr., Adam Henke, Joshua Henke, Jed Henke, Scott Hall, and Eric Tait. Memorials: Sacred Heart Catholic Church or School, Hospice of South Texas, or Donor's Choice. Burial: Hallettsville City Cemetery.