Obituary of Robert Mattics

Robert L. Mattics, age 85, of Kit Carson, Colorado passed away August 15, 2008 in Cheyenne Wells, Colorado. Robert was born October 9, 1922 in Kendrick, Colorado to John and Eva (Mayffey) Mattics. He was the second of six children born to this union. Robert attended and graduated from Hugo High School in 1940. Following graduating he owned and operated Bob’s repair shop in Hugo. He also worked on the Forristall ranch and built five homes in Hugo from 1940 to 1951. In 1951 Robert started a career in oil and water drilling for Rotary Exploration from 1951 to 1971 and from 1971 to 1982 for the State of Wyoming. During his time working for Rotary Exploration he drilled from Mexico to Alaska. Robert was very talented in his field and well known for the ability to retrieve drillstems. Robert and Iola returned to Kit Carson following retirement in 1982 and resided on their farm until 2004 when health forced a move to the Cheyenne Manor in Cheyenne Wells, CO. Robert enjoyed fishing and big game hunting especially deer. He also loved to work with his hands and was a talented wood worker. Robert married Iola Hartelroad in Goodland, Kansas on January 11, 1945. To this union three children were born. Robert is preceded in death by his parents, one sister Dora and her husband Marion (Shan) Jensen, one brother John, and a son-in-law Jerry Thomas. Robert is survived by his wife Iola of Cheyenne Wells, Colorado, two sons Dennis and wife Elizabeth Mattics of Kit Carson, Colorado, Larry Mattics and Margret Rooney of Colorado Springs, Colorado, one daughter Joyce Thomas of Colorado Springs, Colorado, two brothers Jay and wife Rose Mattics of Denver, Colorado, and Mac and wife Elanore Mattics of Denver, Colorado, one sister Ramona and husband Buzz Smiley of Colorado Springs, Colorado. Also surviving are eleven grand children, sixteen great grand children and numerous nieces and nephews. Graveside services will be held Tuesday August 19, 2008 at 3:00 p.m. at the Evergreen Cemetery in Hugo Colorado with Rev. Burry Bessee, officiating. Memorials are suggested to the Cheyenne Manor Care Home 561 West 1st Street Cheyenne Wells, CO 80810