Simon H. Mata

Simon Hernandez Mata, 78, of Ballinger, Texas, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 14, 2021, in Fort Worth, Texas.

He was born on Monday, January 18, 1943, to Thomas and Carlota (Hernandez) Mata in Charlotte, Texas. In 1957 he married the love of his life Herminia De Luna and together they shared over 65 beautiful years before her passing in January of 2019. Simon was a huge fan of WWE wrestling, hunting, fishing, taking road trips, and listening to Ramon Ayala, Vicente Fernandez, and the mariachi bands play, with a cold beer in his hand.

Simon is preceded in death by his parents Thomas and Carlota Mata, his brother Clemente Mata, and his son Thomas Mata.

He is survived by his children, Erlinda Cardoza, Margarita Hill, Nicolas Mata, and Maria Kudjo.  He is also survived by his brother Frank Mata, and his sister Julia Gurrusquieta. In addition to the many people he helped throughout the years, he also considered Marilyn Tachibana his daughter and Clemente Mate, Jr. as his son.  He also has numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews to which he dearly loved.

A visitation for Simon will be held on Tuesday, November 16, 2021, from 6:00 to 8:00 pm at the chapel at Lange Funeral Home. His service will follow on Wednesday, November 17, 2021, at 2:00 pm also at Lange Funeral Home in Ballinger with Pastor Ruiz officiating.  His interment will follow at the Garden of Memories Cemetery.