Enrique Mata

SFC (retired) Enrique Mata was born in Brownsville, Texas on September 13, 1935 to Enriqueta (Gonzalez) Mata and Bernardo (Garza) Mata.

After high school he joined the United States Army. He retired in 1978 after serving 23 years of honored service. While serving in the army, he received many awards and medals including the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Bronze Service Stars, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry with Palm (Unit), the Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Medal FC (Unit), he also received a Good Conduct Medal Clasp with 4 Bronze loops. After his retirement he moved back home to Brownsville where he served as the service officer for the American Legion Post 502.

He is survived by his daughter, Monique (Mata) Hodges and family; son Enrique Mata Jr. and family all of Lawton, Oklahoma. One brother, Roberto Mata of Brownsville, Texas; and a host of cousins and other family members.

He is preceded in death by his parents, his paternal grandparents Carlota (Garza) and Bernardo Mata Sr.; and his maternal grandparents Guadalupe (Salinas Trevino) and Jose Dimas Gonzalez.

A Memorial Service will be held Monday, November 28, 2022 from 9am-11:30am, with the honor guard commencing at 11:30am and a Chapel Service at 12pm followed by the burial of ashes in Buena Vista Burial Park. Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Funeraria Del Angel Buena Vista, 125 McDavitt Blvd., Brownsville, Tx., 956-541-5400, Dignity Memorial Provider.