There was this one time when I ran into your dad at the radiologist (he was having his kidneys looked at and I was preparing for surgery) and we had our 1st adult conversation. I get the feeling that he always thought of me as a little kid... he told me he was proud I got my MBA and that we just needed to give my dad time to figure life out. I loved my uncle... he has endured so much with your brother's and your mother's passing..


One of my favorite memories of your Dad was when I was little, I asked him to pick me up so I could touch the ceiling. He and your mom were engaged at that time. We were visiting your Grandma, my Aunt Dolores, in Maryvale.

I was probably 13 maybe 14, and didn't get to spend too much time with the family BEFORE Aunt Bobbie became a trader and left me to do the "Navy" life 😁.  

She took me to a family Thanksgiving dinner at her parents house. It was bustling and although I'm from large family gatherings it's a little different when you're that young and it's someone else's house. 

Leon, because that's how I knew him, didn't say a lot but when he did it meant something. You don't really think that people are paying that much attention to you at such a large gathering and I more or less sat back and observed. I remember as we were leaving and saying goodbye to everyone that he made a point of telling me, "Melissa, what a nice young lady you are, you are certainly welcome in my home anytime." 

I'm a bit of a poet and although I didn't write this I'd like to share it with you. It's usually recited on birthday's but I think it's appropriate here too... 

Many happy returns to the day of thy birth, may sunshine and gladness be given, and may the dear Father prepare thee on Earth, for a beautiful birthday in Heaven. 

I pray they're all up there having a great big celebration right now. 💜🌹I love you.

My most cherished memory is him letting me walk on the ceiling as a small child (I was heartbroken when I grew too big). 

I remember watching lots of Westerns and murder mysteries. There were many previously unappreciated lectures that I now consider wisdom to live by. 

My grandpa was always the strong silent type. The north star of what strength should mean. He wouldn't raise his voice because he didn't need to. If he was talking, everyone knew to listen up.

He was always there for anyone who needed him.  I am deeply grateful to have known him.

Dearest Bobbie, 

I didn’t know your dad well, but I do know he was the strong and silent type that was there whenever you needed him.  I also know he raised an incredible daughter!
 
Losing a parent is difficult, to say the least.  I pray for strength during this time for you and your family.  May you all find peace in knowing your dad is home.

I love you my sweetest and dearest friend-I’m always here if you need anything at all.

Your bestie,
Gail


I will always fondly remember watching westerners with grandpa. He was a big John Wayne fan and would watch every thing with him in it. The movie i remember the most is hatari! he would re-watch that movie multiple time. 

I will forever cherish the memories of our visits and our weekly talks on Sunday evenings. I hold close the life's lessons you passed on to me over my lifetime. I will miss you terribly but I know that you're finally getting rest and are with Mom,  your mom and dad and our other family members we've been missing. But best of all you are in the presence of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Rest in Peace Daddy and save a place for me!
Love you,
Bobbie Jean

OBITUARY

Elton Leon Matlock

April 6, 1939 – December 19, 2020

A.L. Moore-Grimshaw Mortuaries Bethany Chapel

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