Ronald L Matlack

Ronald Lynn Matlack was born on January 26, 1941 in San Francisco CA to parents Denton and Virginia Matlack. He died on January 23, 2019 in Richland WA at the age of 77.  Ron was raised in California, Irrigon, and Umatilla where he attended school until graduation in 1959 from Irrigon High School.
 Ron served in the United States Army for 10 years until his honorable discharge in 1970.  Dates of active service April 1960 to April 1962 and July 1962 to January 1970.  He served tours of duty in Berlin Germany and Fort Dong Ba Thin Vietnam.  He received many awards and decorations for his time in the Army. During Ron’s career he worked as a military patrolman, Hermiston police officer, Department of Defense federal police officer and Dept of Defense Umatilla Army Depot guard.  Ron also retired as an Army Reserve Drill Sergeant in 1989. Ron worked at the Umatilla Army Chemical Depot for many years as a toxic material handler until his retirement in 1993. 
Ron is survived by his wife Vivian of Hermiston, brothers Jim Matlack of Hermiston, Ken Matlack of Irrigon, sister Sharon Alexanian of Pendleton, Gary Force of Tucson AZ, Raymond Force of Hiram, GA. and sister Beverly Jean Force Tucson AZ; children Patty, Laronda, David from his first marriage and Erica Matlack of Hermiston from his marriage to Vivian of 44-years. He is also survived by step-children Juan Villalobos Jr. of Hermiston, Nina Schulz (Mark) Wenatchee WA, Vicky McWilliams (Terry) Culver OR, Michelle Jones New Orleans LA, Natalie Hodges (Dale) Hermiston, Lisa Sobotta (Sam) Bend OR; grandson Julien Trujillo Hermiston, numerous nieces and nephews, grandchildren, great-grand children and cousins. 
Ron enjoyed being with family, fishing, weekend motorcycle trips and a good tobacco pipe (in his younger years).  He had many hobbies that included woodworking, model airplanes, reading and music. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and Shriners in Hermiston, Bay City and Tillamook chapters. 
Ron was preceded in death by his parents Denton Matlack and Virginia Corey and infant sister Judy.
Memorial service is Saturday February 2 at 1:00 in the Burns Mortuary Chapel Hermiston OR.
In lieu of flowers memorial donations can be made to American Diabetes Association Organization, Department of Veteran Affairs, Vietnam Veterans of America VVA.org or a charity of your choice.
Please leave online condolences for Ron’s family at burnsmortuaryhermiston.com
Burns Mortuary of Hermiston, Oregon is in care of arrangements. 

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