Ronald David Matula

Ronald David Matula, 81, of Hernando, MS passed away on September 14, 2026. Ron was born on September 9, 1945, in Chicago, IL to the late Frank and Rhonda Matula. He served our country during the Vietnam War in the United States Air Force as a Lieutenant and later in the United States Navy from which he retired as a Lieutenant. In between his Air Force and Navy service, he served as a police officer with the Calumet City Police Department on the southside of Chicago. He was a proud American and his entire career was in service to others and his country. One of his greatest joys in life was spending time with his son, Sam and his grandsons. He also enjoyed traveling all over the country with his loving wife. He never met a stranger and was known for his quick-witted humor. He would spend hours talking on the phone with his lifelong friends and his brothers, Alan and Larry, whom he loved very much. In his free time, he enjoyed his Crown Royal, playing bakra and craps, going to the casino, and cheering on his Chicago Cubs. Ron will also be remembered as a very kind and generous man. Along with his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Amanda Matula. Ron is survived by his wife of 20 years, Susan Pactwa Matula; son, Sam Matula; grandchildren: Amara Matula, Dominic Matula, and Isaac Matula; brothers, Alan Matula (Colleen) and Larry Matula; nephews, Mike Matula (Crystal) and David Matula; and nieces, Sarah Matula, Laurel Matula, Laura Wolff, and Lindsey Smith; step-children: Nekcoe Pactwa, Chance Pactwa, and Kelley Pactwa; step-grandchildren: Sam, Katie, Ben, Danny, Kye, Bella, and Haley. Ron was a loving husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend. He will be dearly missed by all who know and love him. A memorial service will be held at a later date at Miller-Woodlawn Funeral Home and Memorial Park where he will be laid to rest beside his daughter.