Dale M. Matts

March 29, 1931 - December 18, 2016

Dale M. Matts, 85, of Benicia passed away Sunday in a local hospital following a long illness. He was born in Drumright, Oklahoma and after graduating from high school went to work in the oil industry until he moved to California in 1951. He retired as a foreman from Shell Oil Company in Martinez after 37 years in 1990. Dale was an avid fisherman, hunter and golfer and enjoyed watching NASCAR. He loved traveling throughout California, often stopping at golf courses and walking the perimeter looking for lost golf balls of which he donated to local schools. He is survived by his daughter Vicki (Tom) Dodd, grandchildren Tom (Jennifer) Dodd Jr., Jaime (Andrew) Dodd, Robert (Amanda) Matts and great grandchildren Shyanne Richards, Tom Dodd III, Justin Dodd, Tyler Dodd, Cody Dodd, & Mathew and Thomas Emmerichs and siblings Dean (Donna) Matts, Leland (Sue) Matts and Patsy Davis. He was preceded in death by his parents L.F. "Buddy" & Ruth Matts Wilma his wife of 62 years, his son Dale Dean Matts and his sister Linda Creel. Funeral services will be held 11:00 a.m. Thursday at Passalacqua Funeral Chapel. Burial will be private. Visitation will be at the mortuary from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday.