Robert Gene Matlock, affectionately known as Butch, went on to his heavenly home on June 20, 2023 at the age of 78 in Sarasota, FL.
Butch was born in St. Louis, MO on May 28, 1945. He graduated from Maplewood High School and then went on to college at Southeast Missouri State University where he met the love of his life, Bobbe Minard. Butch and Bobbe were married on September 11, 1965. Shortly after they got married, Butch was drafted into the United States Army and proudly served his country for 2 years before being honorably discharged in 1968. After his tour of duty in Thailand during the Vietnam War, Butch and Bobbe settled in the St. Louis Hills area. During his life, Butch worked for Keebler Cookies, Clanton Electric, and United Electric Supply. After Jay & Tim were born, Butch and Bobbe were very involved in OAA sports, Word of Life Lutheran School, Ascension Lutheran Church, BBQing and golf. After the boys were out of high school, Butch and Bobbe moved to the South County area of St. Louis. Butch was an avid traveler, going on many Caribbean cruises and taking trips to France, Italy and on European River cruises. Later in life, Butch could not take the cold winters of St. Louis, so they packed up and moved to the gulf coast of Florida. Since living in Sarasota for the last 7 years, no matter the outside temperature, Butch was still cold.
Butch was always the jokester, the sometimes hard-to-believe storyteller and life of the party kind of guy. He was funny, slightly to moderately to completely inappropriate at times, but always caring, friendly, & thoughtful. He was a beloved husband, dad, Papa, & friend. He was so loved.
Butch is survived by his loving wife of almost 58 years, Roberta/Bobbe (Minard). He is also survived by his 2 sons, Jay Matlock of Sarasota, FL, and Tim Matlock, his wife Missy and 2 granddaughters Camryn and Rylie, of Jenks, OK. Butch also leaves behind his sister Penny Kennedy (Terry) of Raleigh, NC, and brother-in-law Jim Minard (Nancy) of St. Louis, MO. Butch will be missed by many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends around the country but especially in the St. Louis area, where Butch was born and lived most of his life. Butch also leaves behind many friends in Sarasota, FL.
Visitation with the family will be held on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 from 4pm – 8pm at Kutis South County Funeral Home at Lemay Ferry/Butler Hill in St Louis, MO. Graveside service with military honors will be held the following morning on Wednesday, July 12, 2023 at 10am at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, donations in his memory may be made to Habitat for Humanity–Sarasota by mail to 1757 N. East Avenue Sarasota, FL 34234, to assist veterans in the area with their housing needs.
Bobbe, my deepest condolences during this difficult time. I know how much Butch meant to you, and his presence will be greatly missed. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this challenging time. If there’s anything specific I can do to support you, please don’t hesitate to let me know. Ursula (Sarasota, Florida)
Bobbe I have known you most of my life and I am so sorry to known you are going through such a difficult time! Butch was a great guy with an amazing humor. The loss of Butch will be great! Please know I am thinking of you and your family.
I have very young childhood memories of Butch from the infamous Clohessy family Christmas Eve gathers. He was funny, a jokester and a life of the party. Our family might have been small in numbers but large in fun, laughter and love. God’s speed Butch!