Of Saint Louis, Missouri, passed away on Monday, February 6, 2023.
Gene was born November 30, 1953, in East St. Louis, Illinois. He was preceded in death by parents Roy and Bernice (Sirakas) Matlock, older brother Joseph, and an infant sister Mary Frances. Gene leaves behind his son Andrew, daughter Lisa and son-in-law Eric Diamond, loving partner Robin Bailey, sister-in-law Elaine Matlock Kish (Dennis), nephews Mark and Chris, niece Sarah, and great-nephew Joseph.
Gene was raised in a Catholic family and attended St. Cronan Parish School at the end of the block from where he grew up. He was a long-standing altar boy there and particularly enjoyed being able to miss school to earn money working the weddings and funerals at the church. Gene helped raise his children in Catholic faith, regularly attended mass throughout his life, most recently alongside his girlfriend Robin, and found a sense of comfort and purpose in his beliefs.
Gene was a talented athlete, runner, and bicyclist throughout his life. He enjoyed everything sports related. He played soccer and baseball and most notably was the starting catcher for his high school’s baseball team, playing at both McBride and St. Mary’s High Schools. Gene helped to teach his son how to play soccer, baseball, basketball, and assisted in coaching his youth teams as well. One of the fondest memories his children have is playing rollerblade hockey with Dad in the basement of their childhood home. Gene was an umpire, member of the YMCA for his entire adult life, and spent 40 years involved with soccer, as an official, clinician, in sportsmanship, teaching, mentoring, and so much more. He was active in both MO and IL, with organizations such as IHSA, MSHSAA, SISOA, and NISOA.
Gene worked as an accountant from the time he graduated college. One of Lisa and Gene’s favorite inside jokes was that “debits have to equal credits,” as an honor to both his profession and his silly sense of humor. He had a lighthearted and fun demeanor, always making his kids smile, laugh, and occasionally roll their eyes at his famous and repetitive “Dad Jokes.” He will most notably be remembered for that aspect of his personality.
Gene and his children had a favorite hobby of searching for and collecting bobbleheads, steins, and other sports memorabilia. He also enjoyed playing card games and board games. Many holidays were spent playfully fighting over the game Mille Bornes which he passed down from his own mother and aunt. Gene enjoyed travel, especially to visit his children in various states and to go to different baseball stadiums throughout the country with his son, often finding ways to sneak in any professional sports game no matter where he went. He loved animals and was a self-described “dog person” but also enjoyed the company of his daughter’s cats which earned him the beloved name “Grampa.” He enjoyed going to the St. Louis Zoo, Grant’s Farm, and anywhere that he could be with animals and nature, both with his children and with Robin. Eckert’s was also a favorite weekend activity.
One of his favorite pastimes was sitting on his front porch to call family members, friends, and to watch the birds and people go by. He had a wonderful way of connecting with everyone, including strangers, and always made a point of telling everyone, no matter where he went, that he was from Saint Louis. He truly loved and was proud of the city that he had made his home for his entire life.
Gene’s children would like for his family, friends, soccer colleagues, and coworkers to come share in the celebration of his life and achievements. A memorial visitation will be held at Kutis Funeral Home, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129, on Saturday, March 4, 2023, from 2:00- 4:00 p.m., with a service to follow at 4:00 p.m. A private family burial will occur on a later date.
Gene was an organ donor whose donation helped to save or enhance the lives of possibly dozens of people. Please consider honoring his life by becoming an organ donor as well. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the American Heart Association in Gene’s name.
Services: Memorial visitation at KUTIS SOUTH COUNTY CHAPEL, 5255 Lemay Ferry Rd. Sat. March 4, 2 p.m. until service at 4 p.m. Interment Private.