Paul Matta

Paul Rudy Matta, 66, of Abilene passed away suddenly and unexpectedly on December 3, 2021. Paul was born in Houston, TX on July 9, 1955 to Rev. Frank M. Matta Sr. and Ascencion Briones Matta.

He grew up in a large family of 16. At an early age, Paul’s love for music was evident. He was in the school choir, he was a part of a gospel band and he served as a youth pastor, and lead as choir director in his fathers church. Even as a young man he had a pastor’s heart.

At the age of 19 he married Alma Lilia Castañeda of Galveston, TX on June 22, 1975. They would be blessed with 6 children throughout their marriage: Vivi Massey, Paul Jeremy, Veronica, Mickey, Nick and Belle. Through the early years of his marriage, he worked for Dresser Industries in Galveston, TX. He served as a song leader, children’s church director and drama director in his home church, First Assembly of God, for years.

In 1989 Paul and his family moved to Abilene to serve as Youth Pastors at Glad Tidings Church. Throughout the years he also worked at Lockheed Martin, Hendrick Medical Center and Mesa Springs Assisted Living and Chisholm Place.

Paul served the Abilene community on several non-profit organizations ranging from March of Dimes, United Way, Noah Project Inc., and several other organizations. He officiated hundreds of funerals and countless weddings around the Abilene area. He was known as the “whistling pastor” among The Big Country retirement homes, hospitals, hospice centers, and assisted living facilities (such as the Bethel Suites Homecare).

In 2008 he received his ordination as a Baptist Minister from Southwest Baptist University while working at First Baptist Church in Hamlin, TX where he served as a co-pastor. He then went on to pastor the Baptist Spanish Mission in Hamlin while also working as a Hospice Chaplain for Kinder Hearts, retiring in 2017. During his retirement he continued serving and ministering throughout the big country as a servant of God. For the last 2 years, Paul served as pastor of the Abilene Hosanna Korean Church. He leaves behind a loving congregation there who cared and loved him into his final days.

He is survived by his wife, children, grandchildren, his siblings and extended family.

He’s preceded in death by his parents; sister, Raquel R. Garcia; brothers, Frank Matta, Joshua Matta and Micheal Matta