Joseph Zannet Matte USAF Col. Ret.

He is survived by his much beloved wife of 59 years, Edith S. Matte; two children, Linda A. Norris and Joseph R. Matte. Also surviving him are five grandchildren, Kimberley G. Balstad, Sommer R. McDougal, Wendy M. Zeitler, Meghan E. Matte, and Pamela J. Matte and three great grandchildren; Caleb, Sydney, and Luke Balstad.

He was born on 23 July 1920 in Port Arthur, Texas and graduated from North Texas State University.

He was a pilot and fighter Ace in the European theater during World War II recording seven confirmed kills. After the war, Col Matte's early assignments included: Fort Hood, Texas; RAF Brize Norton, England; Ellington Field, Texas; and Naples, Italy. Col Matte's subsequent assignments included serving as Chief of Maintenance at Randolph AFB, Texas; Deputy Commander for Maintenance at Laredo AFB, Texas; and senior advisor to the Military Assistance and Advisory Group MAAG in Taipei, Taiwan. His final assignment was as Chief of Maintenance, Air Training Command, Randolph AFB, Texas where he retired after 31 years of distinguished service to his country. Colonel Matte's numerous decorations, medals, and citations include the Distinguished Service Cross, Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross w/OLC, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal w/18OLC, Air Force Commendation Medal w/OLC, Presidential Unit citation w/OLC, European Campaign Medal, WWII Victory Medal, National Defense Service Medal, and a special award of Chinese Pilots Wings presented to him by the Taiwanese Government.

He remained in San Antonio where he engaged in a successful career in oil and gas exploration and residential home construction. Joe was an active member of the American Fighter Aces Association, the 2362nd Fighter Group Association, the 9th Air Force Association, the Air Force Association, and the Order of the Daedalions.