Charles Talmage Matney Jr.

Charles Talmage Matney, Jr. passed away on August 4th, 2025 at a local care facility. He was born on March 3rd, 1932 in Fort Worth, Texas, to Charles Talmage Matney, Sr. and Mildred Howell Matney. He was devoted to his only sibling, a sister, Mildred, (Mickey), Matney Dowdy. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister and her husband, Clifford, his wife, Jean and son-in-law, Dennis Hill.

Charlie was beloved by many: his family, church and community friends, and literally, thousands of Texas public school band students.

He earned a Bachelor of Music Education from TCU in 1954. In a career that spanned from 1954-1991 he educated students at the junior high and high school level, fostering what would, for many, become a lifetime love of music.

On August 21st, 1954, he married the love of his life, and fellow teacher, Jean Patricia Hale. Charlie and Jean welcomed three children, Kathy, David and Mark. His family was blessed by his devotion to God, his care for each of them as well as his kindness, warmth and guidance.

Charlie served many years as a deacon at Travis Avenue Baptist Church, participating wherever, and whenever, there was a need. He led the music for the Adult Sunday School Department, assisted with Vacation Bible School and played tuba in the church orchestra. He served in the church Benevolence Room and sang in the “Praise Singers”.

School districts that he worked for include those in Sanderson and Canton, although the bulk of his career was in the Fort Worth ISD. Those schools include Rosemont Junior High, Handley Junior High, North Side High School, Daggett Middle School, Morningside Middle School and Wedgwood Middle School. He won many honors during his career but was particularly proud of often being named “favorite teacher”.

He is survived by his daughter, Kathy Matney Hill, son and daughter-in-law, David and Donna Matney and son and daughter-in-law, Mark and Marilyn Matney, his 5 grandchildren, nieces and a nephew, 7 great-grandchildren, sister-in-law and brother-in-law, Joyce and Barney Coufal and brother-in-law James Hale. Included are our extra family members, Mary and Dwight Wells, close friend, Bonnie Crosland and many caring medical staff members.

Scores of dear friends and former students will miss Charlie’s charm and delightful sense of humor. He never met a stranger. Charlie would welcome everyone with a contagious smile and a twinkle in his eye!

Funeral services will be held on August 11th, 2025. Visitation at Travis Avenue Baptist Church, (800 W. Berry St., Fort Worth, TX, 76110), in the Welcome Center will begin at 10am and his memorial service will be in the sanctuary at 11am. Graveside service to follow at Laurel Land at 12pm.

In lieu of flowers, Charlie requested donations be made to the music department of Travis Avenue Baptist Church, 817-924-4266.