Paul C. Matlock

Paul C. Matlock of Ephrata was born near Vinita, Okla., on Nov. 11, 1931, and passed away on Aug. 7, 2008, at McKay Health Care in Soap Lake. He was the youngest of nine children born to Noah C. and Anna N. Matlock. At the age of 12 his family moved to Washington state near Kettle Falls. Following graduation from high school, Paul worked in the lumber industry. He enlisted in the U.S. Army during the Korean War. After the war he returned home to Kettle Falls. In 1956 he married Charlene Urhausen. Two children were born to them, Rita and Steve. Paul graduated from Washington State University with a civil engineering degree and was hired by the United States Bureau of Reclamation in Ephrata. He worked for the USBR and advanced to chief of the engineering and drainage division retiring in 1985. In 1980 Paul married Doris Swem. Paul enjoyed hunting and passed his passion for the sport on to his son. They shared many hunting adventures in Eastern Washington and Idaho. He always loved the outdoors and collected rocks, pieces of petrified wood and numerous shells. The beauty of nature always called to him and he was happiest when he was in the woods or by the water somewhere. Paul is survived by his wife Doris, his daughter Rita Bjork and husband Dale, grandchildren Brad, Bryan and Kristin of Moses Lake and son Steve Matlock of Moses Lake. He also has four stepchildren, Diana Livingston, Donna Kammer, Stephen Swem and Darla Wark along with 13 step-grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, Marcella (Marcy) Hollabaugh and Rosella (Mitzy) Espe, one brother Bert Matlock and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, four brothers and one infant sister. Paul will be laid to rest at Valley View Cemetery in Soap Lake. A memorial service will be held at the Community Evangelical Free Church in Soap Lake on Aug. 16 at 11 a.m. In lieu of flowers, the family would like to suggest donations to McKay Health Care and Rehab in remembrance of the years of tender care they gave to Paul.