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1942 - 2014
 Ky. Col. Charles M. Matasich, The Derbyman, 72, of Proctorville, Ohio, passed away peacefully in his sleep on November 28, 2014. Chuck was born on July 25, 1942, in Youngstown, Ohio, to Charles L. and Agnes (Boticke) Matasich. He enjoyed many years there with his beloved aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and childhood friends before moving to Huntington, W.Va. He married the love of his life, Patricia Walker, on April 22,1965. They enjoyed 49 wonderful years together. He graduated from St. Joseph Catholic High School in Huntington in May 1960. From there, he attended his beloved Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Chuck continued attending Ohio State football games as a season ticket holder and was a Buckeye fan until the end. In 1966 Chuck attended his first Kentucky Derby at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. This was the beginning of a 45-year obsession. Come the middle of April each year, he could be found prepping his world-famous, rose-covered Derby hat and one-of-a-kind Derby jacket. On the first Saturday in May, Chuck transformed himself into the persona he is known for amongst millions of Derby-goers, The Derbyman. He was featured in magazines such as Blood Horse and Marie Claire, and in newspapers and on news stations around the world. On Derby day, celebrities sought him out to get a picture with the Derbyman. On July 31, 1987, the Commonwealth of Kentucky commissioned him the title of Kentucky Colonel. He was a member of St. Ann Catholic Church in Chesapeake, Ohio, where he served on the Parish Council, and as an usher for many years. Everyone who knew Chuck, knew that he had a true love of life. He will be remembered for his booming voice on the sidelines of any sporting event his children or grandchildren were playing, and for the photos he took and shared with many Fairland Dragon families. Chuck was a season ticket holder for Marshall football games, and didnt miss a game until his health declined. He was a longtime angler and loved fishing for walleye on Lake Erie. Chuck never turned down a chance to go to Myrtle Beach for vacation, where he shared his hobby of walking miles along the beaches finding sharks teeth with his daughters. Chuck worked for 30 years at HK Porter/Connors Steel/Steel of West Virginia as a heat treater/physical test inspector. He truly enjoyed photography, and for many years worked as a professional photographer for sporting events, weddings, proms, and family portraits. He is survived by his wife, Pat; a son, Charles; two daughters, Susan Tow and wife Chris Laborde, of Anchorage, Alaska; and Tricia Begil and husband Al Begil, of Proctorville, Ohio; his beloved grandsons, Zachary Matasich, Brandon Begil, Lakota Tow, and Dylan Tow; and his favorite granddaughter, Kelly Rae Begil; his sister, Sandra Matasich of Columbus, Ohio; and many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends around the world. He is preceded in death by his parents; his brother, Ronald Matasich; his father-in-law, Ellis M. Walker; his brothers-in-law, Kevin Walker and Mike Crist; and many aunts and uncles. His family would like to thank all the healthcare providers, family, and friends who provided care and assistance to Chuck over the past 8 years. Visitation will be Friday, December 5, 2014 at Hall Funeral Home and Crematory, Proctorville, Ohio, from 6 to 8 p.m. A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, December 6, 2014 at St. Ann Catholic Church, in Chesapeake, Ohio, at 11 a.m. Burial will follow at Rome Cemetery, in Proctorville. In lieu of flowers, the family requests a donation in Chucks name to the Old Friends Farm for Retired Thoroughbreds, 1841 Paynes Depot Road, Georgetown, KY 40324, (502) 863-1775. Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.timeformemory.com/hall |
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There are currently 9 condolences.
Paula Linville
Monday December 8, 2014 at
11:13 AM
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Dear Pat, My deepest sympathy to you and the family on your loss. Chuckie will be missed. I have so many memories...Grandma's house at holiday time, when he lived with us while at OSU, and some visits to Proctorville. Big fun! May God bless you all through this difficult time.
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Richard Unroe
Saturday December 6, 2014 at
11:11 AM
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Susan, Trish, Mrs. Matasich, and family. I am sorry for your recent loss. I saw him and talked with him at length a few weeks ago. God bless you.
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Mike Fulks
Saturday December 6, 2014 at
7:53 AM
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So sorry to hear of the passing of my friend and fellow Kentucky Colonel. We loved him at CVS. He was a true gentleman. I was always impressed how much he cared about his family members and their wellbeing.
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Patty Malloy Speakes
Friday December 5, 2014 at
5:21 PM
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I saw Chuck at our last high school reunion and kept in touch on Facebook. My sympathies & prayers are with his family and friends.
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Eitel Dunaway & Steve Preston
Friday December 5, 2014 at
4:21 PM
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We never had the privilege of meeting Chuck but heard wonderful things about him from Susan and from his facebook posts to her. Our prayers are with you all.
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Phil Roby
Friday December 5, 2014 at
11:38 AM
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It was my privilege to have known this great man for many years at Steel of WV. He told me many stories about his Derbyman adventures, as well as many other things he'd seen at various football games. When my wife was gravely injured in a schoolbus accident in late 2000, he stopped by the ICU waiting room several times to try to cheer me up, and he succeeded. I knew about his health probs, and, while I'll miss him, I know his suffering is over forever. Prayers & condolences for his family and many, many friends.
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Joe Conway
Friday December 5, 2014 at
9:57 AM
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My sincerest condolences to Pat, Chuckie, Susan and Tricia. I have the fondest memories of the man I will always know as "Mr. Matasich," from the many trips between Rome (OH) and Vienna (WV)with an obligatory stop in Gallipolis for a McDonald's sundaeas well as the happy remembrance of a devoted family man who deeply loved each of you. While I am saddened by his passing, I am happy to have known such an amazing human being who will be remembered for many, many years to come.
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Donna Thompson Asbury
Friday December 5, 2014 at
12:15 AM
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Susan,Tricia and Family. I am so sorry for the passing of your wonderful Father ,Grandfather and Husband. He will be miss by many. Love and Prayers
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Debi, Mike, Amy Childers and Chad Hale
Thursday December 4, 2014 at
8:32 PM
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Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.
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