Emmanuel Plange Matteer

Emmanuel Plange Matteer Sr. was born on April 6, 1935, in Kumasi, Ghana, to Hector Matteer and Elizabeth Blay. From his early years in Ghana to his distinguished career as an engineer, Emmanuel lived a life marked by education, perseverance, dedication, and commitment to his family and profession. Emmanuel began his formal education at the prestigious Mfantsipim School in Cape Coast, Ghana, laying the foundation for a lifelong pursuit of knowledge and excellence. From 1961 to 1964, he attended Technische Hochschule Darmstadt in Germany, where he earned a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He continued his studies at the State Engineering School in Frankfurt, Germany, earning a degree in Process Engineering (Ing.) from 1965 to 1967. He later attended Newark College of Engineering, now the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), earning a Master of Science in Chemical Engineering from 1970 to 1972. A Registered Professional Engineer in both Texas and New York, Emmanuel built a long and distinguished engineering career with Exxon Oil and Gas. Throughout his life, he resided in Canada, New Jersey, and Massachusetts before establishing his family home in Houston, Texas. In 1970, Emmanuel married the love of his life, Esther Matteer, beginning a marriage that would span 56 years. Their first child, Dr. Nancy Matteer, was born in Massachusetts. In 1974, Emmanuel, Esther, and their young daughter relocated to Houston, Texas, where they built their home and raised their family. Together, they welcomed three more children: Emmanuel Matteer Jr., Barnaby Matteer Sr., and Hector Alfred Matteer. Emmanuel was blessed with two grandchildren, Benet Matteer and Barnaby Matteer II, whose lives added to the enduring legacy of the family he and Esther built together. Faith was an important part of Emmanuel’s life. He was a devoted member of the First Methodist Church for more than 50 years before deciding to convert to Catholicism in 2022, marking a new chapter in his spiritual journey. Emmanuel’s life was one of remarkable achievement, international experiences, and steadfast dedication to his calling. From his beginnings in Ghana to his studies in Germany and professional accomplishments in the United States, his journey crossed borders and generations. He leaves behind a legacy of academic excellence, professional distinction, faith, and family devotion that will continue to be remembered and honored by those whose lives he touched. Emmanuel leaves to cherish his memory his beloved wife of 56 years, Esther Matteer; his four children, Dr. Nancy Matteer, Emmanuel Matteer Jr., Barnaby Matteer Sr. (Micole Matteer), and Hector Alfred Matteer; and his two grandchildren, Benet Matteer and Barnaby Matteer II. He also leaves behind a host of siblings, nieces, nephews, extended family members, and loved ones throughout the world, all of whom will continue to honor his memory and celebrate the life he lived. Though his earthly journey has come to an end, his memory will forever hold a special place in the hearts of those who knew and loved him. May his memory be a blessing to all, and may the legacy he leaves behind continue to live on through the generations that follow.

Visitation will be held at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on October 22, 2026, from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm.

A Funeral Service will take place at Forest Park Westheimer Funeral Home, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on October 23, 2026, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am.

A Committal Service will follow at Forest Park Westheimer Cemetery, 12800 Westheimer Road, Houston, TX 77077, US, on October 23, 2026, from 11:30 am to 12:00 pm.