Darrell Lee Matzen

Darrell Lee Matzen went to be with his Lord and Savior on Sunday, July 31, 2005. He was surrounded by his family reading the scriptures and singing hymns. Darrell's favorite hymn (Blessed Assurance) and favorite scripture (Psalm 91).

Darrell was in the habit of reading one chapter of Psalms and one chapter of Proverbs each day.

Darrell was so courageous as he battled with mesothelioma (a cancer caused by asbestos exposure).

Darrell's parents Gerhard (Flip) Matzen and Doris (Boots) Matzen moved to Moses Lake when he was only 1 year old.

He attended Moses Lake schools and graduated with the class of 1971. Darrell began working for Menan Starch Plant in the summer of 1969 and later began farming with his father-in-law in the Warden area and then on his own.

Darrell married Debbie Kimble on Feb. 14, 1983 and together they nurtured two children. Darrell spent some years playing softball and volleyball for the Moses Lake Mens City League, where he gained the name Reachie. He was also known for his ability to do just about anything — a jack of all trades, from mechanics to kitchen sinks, this his how he earned the name McGyver.

Hunting, fishing, boating, snow skiiing and spending time with his family and friends were among his favorites.

He also enjoyed attending Mariners games and of course his favorite football team, the St. Louis Rams.

Also, Darrell could hardly wait for the kids to have another sports activity, watching the kids play baseball, basketball and volleyball was a huge enjoyment for Darrell. He enjoyed helping the kids prepare and take their animals to the county fair.

Darrell loved animals, of course dogs and cats, but most recently his mother helped him begin a dream he had always had. They began a cattle venture. Darrell's herd was up to three, with all of them due to calve this year.

Darrell was a true friend, honest, loyal, full of wit and charm. He will be greatly missed and remembered by all who knew him.

Darrell is survived by his wife Debbie of 23 years; his daughter Samantha and her husband Jeremy Brown of Moses Lake; his son Travis, still at home; his mother Doris Matzen of Moses Lake; his sister Bunny Taylor of Moses Lake; his brother Gary Matzen of Longmont, Colo.; his sister Vickie Skeesick of Tacoma; as well as brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and many nieces and nephews.

Darrell was preceded in death by his father Gerhard Matzen and his grandmother Sylvia Hanson both of Moses Lake.

A sunset graveside service was held for the family on Tuesday, Aug. 2 at the Warden Cemetery.

A memorial service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Warden on Darrell's 52nd birthday, Aug. 7, 2005 with a potluck following.