Frank George Matzinger Jr.

Frank George Matzinger, Jr. went to be with his Lord and Savior on August 3, 2024. He passed peacefully in his home surrounded by his wife, Jeanette, and family. Frank was an active Catholic and prayed every night until his last when his family helped him recite the rosary.

Frank was born May 2, 1927, as the eldest of five boys of Marie A. and Frank G. Matzinger. When two or more of them were gathered you would hear rolling laughter as they reminisced about their sainted mother trying to keep them in line. His surviving brother is Thomas J. Matzinger and wife, Shirley. Preceding him in death were brothers John, James, and Robert.

Frank was adventurous in life, love, and work. In 1957, Frank married Carol Gay Mayers, who died April 4, 1968, leaving four children. In 1969, he married Jeanette Fontenot, his wife of 55 years, intertwining a family of eight and starting many adventures. He was happiest while driving his flat bottom boat through the bays of Port O’Conner, fishing on the Lucky Eight, hunting with his dog in Louisiana, and traveling on safari in Africa. In his 97 years, he lived many adventures with family and friends including flying, scuba diving, and daily activities of identifying rocks, plants, birds, and animals. He actively participated in target shooting, bowling, tennis, and golf. He reveled in training his dogs, including his hunting Labrador Retriever, Silkie Terriers, Australian Shepherds, and Australian Terrier.

After graduating from St. Thomas High School, Frank joined the U.S. Navy and served honorably in the Pacific during World War II. He returned to Houston and graduated from the University of Houston in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Geology. Frank took great pride in his work and became known as a successful wildcatter with a strong, honest reputation. He started his business on a legal pad, and he had one next to his bed when he passed. His handshake was an unbroken bond. He often said, a deal was not a good deal unless both parties walked away happy.

In 1950, Frank was employed by Union Oil and Gas Corporation of Louisiana. In 1961, he formed Matzinger Exploration Company. Frank moved to Houston with his wife and six children packed in a station wagon to start the next adventure. His career as a geologist spanned 66 years exploring for oil and gas in Louisiana, Texas, and New Mexico. A colleague once said that Frank was an artist when it came to finding oil. That art was founded on a precise and exacting nature. He worked with McCormick Oil Company, Wagner Oil Company, and Westerly Exploration Company.

Frank, with Jeanette at his side, was active in his church every place that he lived including Lafayette, Houston, Ruidoso, Horseshoe Bay, and Austin. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, the American Association of Petroleum Geologists, the American Association of Petroleum Geologist Foundation, and the National Rifle Association. He was also an active member of AA for more than 45 years.

Frank is survived by the following family members: wife Jeanette Matzinger, daughter Susan Deichmiller, grandsons Neal and Clay Deichmiller, son Robert Matzinger, granddaughter Allison Matzinger, daughter Katherine Dubravec, her husband Michael Dubravec, stepson Michael Fontenot, his wife Tance Walker, and stepdaughter Michelle Fontenot, her wife Adriana Castano Agudelo. Frank’s son Mark Matzinger pre-deceased him in 2017. Blending two families along with friends that are considered family, created a large and loved extended circle - too numerous to name but cherished as well.

A memorial service will be held on August 24, 2024, at St. Paul the Apostle Parish, at 10 am followed by a reception in the parish hall. St. Paul the Apostle Parish, 201 Dalton Circle, Horseshoe Bay, TX 78657. In lieu of flowers, please say prayers for Jeanette, and Frank’s family left here on earth.