June 27, 1949 – August 15, 2023
Martin Joe Matlock (Joe), 74, of League City, Texas, passed away August 15, 2023.
He was born on June 27, 1949, to Willis and Doris (Broer) Matlock in Cleveland, Texas. He married Virginia Stripling on November 29,1969 and they had two children, Brian and Brad.
Joe and Virginia moved to League City, Texas in 1969. Joe worked as a highway patrol and license and weight officer for 22 years with the Texas Department of Public Safety in Texas City, Texas. In 1990, Joe opened and operated his own company, JM Resources, which provided multiple services for land development companies. After retiring from the DPS in 1991, he focused his time on growing the company. He finally retired from the business in 2021.
He enjoyed watching his grandchildren participate in their favorite activities, watching the Astros, fishing with his sons, having morning coffee with his friends, and Sunday lunch with his family. He had a love for the outdoors especially driving the tractor, with the training seat where the grandkids could ride with him.
Not only was Joe a great family man, he was loved by many for his willingness to always be a shoulder to lean on and a friend to call when in need. He would be the first to help anyone who needed it. His old fashion handshake style made people feel a genuine connection and comfort knowing he would always uphold his word.
Joe is survived by his wife, Virginia, his sons, Brian and wife Dianna, Brad and wife Jill. Grandchildren Madison, Ty, Regan, and Aly. Sister, Rosie Matlock Grimmet, sisters-in-law Mary Alice Hicks and Juanita Fuller and many nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents, sister-in-law, Louise Griswold, brothers-in-law, W.C. Stripling, Weaver Stripling, and Bryant Stripling.
A visitation will be held on September 1, 2023 at 10:00 A.M. with a memorial service immediately following at 11:00 A.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr. Friendswood, TX 77546 with Russ McKee officiating.
In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Wounded Warrior Project at https://communityfundraising.woundedwarriorproject.org/campaign/Joe-Matlock-Memorial or by mailing a check to Wounded Warrior Project, PO Box 758516,
Topeka, KS 66675
21 thoughts on “Martin Joe Matlock”
God comfort you in your loss.
Joe and I was classmates,friends and neighbors for long time.sad not seen mayears.RI P sammy love
Virginia and family,
So sorry to hear about Joe.. we have known u guys for so many years and so surprised to hear about his passing.
Will keep u in our prayers and will be thinking of you during this hard time… we will remember all the great times we had hanging around both of you.. great memories…
I would like to say Joe was dear friend and one of the finest men I have ever known. Joe was a great friend for over 40 years he was a true family man, and he and Virginia raised to wonderful sons. As a compliment I want to say Joe was the hardest working man I've known. My heart felt sympathy goes out for Virginia, Brian, Brad and the entire Matlock family, sincerely Bill & Julie Groce
Joe has always been a joy to be around. Cleveland High School, class of '67 has lost a true friend. Prayers for peace and comfort. Winfred and Edith Kyle
Virginia, I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your loved one. l will be praying for you and your family. May God give you the strenght you need to make it through.
Jackie Davis & Family
Joe, was a good friend worked for me some before I retired..Always upbeat and nothing negative..Always talking about his family…God Bless Joe and his family..Had a lot of lunches together ..
Joe and I are praying for Virginia, Brad & Brian and the rest of the family at this sad time. Love to you all.
Joe and Jackie Vardell
God places certain special people in life’s journey. We were all so fortunate that God gave Joe Matlock as that SPECIAL friend. There was never a time that we didn’t feel the comfort of Joe’s friendship. When I think of Joe my thought says, “ what a guy”. GOD brought home a good guy.
I’m SO sad to hear of Joes passing….he came by our store just about every morning for coffee, and some chatting with his buddies, and us. I just loved him and Virginia, never a nicer couple. I’m so sorry, Virginia, Brian and Brad! I thought the world of him and he always told me when I retired from the bus I could come drive for him:) Y’all are in our prayers💕
I grew up with Joe and graduated Cleveland High School with him. Joe was always a good guy. I am very glad to have known him because he was always the good guy when he attended class functions. Nothing lasts forever but the earth and sky. I am glad his family had him for as long as they did–and the world had him, too. HUGS.
Virginia and Family,
Wanted to say how very sorry Johnnie and I are to hear of Joe's passing. We have known you guys for over 40 years and will always have such great memories with you and Joe.
We will be thinking of you and praying for some peace for you in the coming months.
Again, you have our condolences.
What a shock !!! I’m so sorry Virginia. Been wanting to call but I know you are tired and need rest so I thought this would be better. Hope you and Brian and Brad are keeping your heads up. I’m a prayin for y’all. Hope to see y’all soon.
Virginia I am so sorry to hear about Joe, he was a a man’s man, a great guy and friend. You and your family are in my prayers 🙏
We are so sorry to hear about Joe. Virginia, Brian and Brad and all of your family, our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
Joe Was was a friend since the 70's and worked for me as a consultant to help investigate Truck Accidents for our Malone Trucking Co. We also went hunting several times a year and especially had fun with other Officers once a yr at our Lease.He was one of the finest men I have known and will miss him Greatly but he is with our Father in Heaven now better off than us. My condolances to the family now as they will miss him. God Bless
I’m so sorry to hear this and I’m praying for you and your boys. I know you miss him.
Amy Carroll
Virginia, Brian & Brad, Please accept my deepest condolences. As you all know Joe was such an amazing man and a Mentor to me as he taught me the land development business! I have always Respected and Cherished his Friendship, counsel and advice. Boys as you already know you were both his Pride & Joy and your Respect for him was Magnificent to watch!
I am so sorry that I lost touch with Joe and you Boys. May God comfort you all as you deal with this passing of a Great Man, Your Father. Godspeed my Friend🙏
Virginia, so deeply sorry for your loss. Our thoughts & prayers are with you and yours.
I met Joe when he was starting his sideline business. I worked at the Cat dealer while he was working at DPS. It was an instant good connection, and Joe and I became decent friends. The most memorable conversation we had was when he called me in Bryan to see what he could do to help the Aggies bonfire collapse. It was a tribute to his character – he did not know any of those students, but wanted to help if possible. I am sorry to hear of Joe's passing. I wish I had picked up the phone and called more over the years since we last saw each other. I still have much respect for Joe and his family. Rest in Peace dear friend.
Virginia, Brian and Brad,
Shocking news of Joe’s death. I am just today finding out. Although we have not gotten together in awhile our friendship will never be lost. We had such fun as our kids were smaller. Brian and Brad I know how important your father was to you both. Just know he was so proud of the men you have become. My love and prayers. Glinda Moffett Van Malden