Fred Taylor Matthes, 82, of Bay City passed away at home on Tuesday, December 18, 2012. Fred was born March 27, 1930 in Bay City to the late Arthur Raymond Matthes and Ruth Braden Matthes. He grew up in Blessing and Bay City and he graduated from Bay City High School in 1948. He attended Rice University and Baylor College of Medicine and practiced pediatrics in Bay City for 41 years. He will be fondly remembered as a devout Christian man with a strong faith and a passion for the success of the communities of Matagorda County. His family was always a high priority for him. In fact, he loved all children and he touched many lives through his pediatric practice and community service.

Fred is survived by his wife of 62 years: Betty Jean Gordon Matthes of Bay City; 5 children: Patrick Raymond Matthes & wife Janet of Bay City, Michael Taylor Matthes & wife Paula of Foster City, CA; Margaret Jardee & husband Gary of Mill Iron, MT, Douglas Paul Matthes & wife Vicki of Bay City, and Ellen Ruth Dodd & husband Mark of Bay City; 15 grandchildren: Shelly Grimes & husband Bink, Julie McDaniel & husband Steve, Laura Mosley & husband Kurt, Katie Matthes, Kristy Salas & husband Jason, Susan Dawson & husband Ryan, Jenny Pust & husband Donny, Matthew Dodd & wife Shanna, Taylor Matthes & wife Kim, Travis Dodd & wife Nicole, Garrett Dodd & wife Meredith, Amy Erpelding & husband Tim, Lauren Bottani & husband Bryan, Haley Schneider & Husband Wes, and Caroline Matthes; 19 great grandchildren; and numerous nieces & nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother: Russell Arthur Matthes; and sister: Margaret Ruth Matthes.

The family will receive visitors from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM Thursday, December 20, 2012 at the funeral home. A funeral Service will be held 10:00 AM Friday, December 21, 2012 at the First Baptist Church of Bay City with Dr. Mike Zimmerman officiating. Interment will follow at Hawley Cemetery in Blessing. Pallbearers will be Matthew Dodd, Taylor Matthes, Travis Dodd, Garrett Dodd, Bink Grimes, Wes Schneider, Ryan Dawson, Jason Salas, and Bryan Bottani. Honorary Pallbearers will be Kurt Mosley, Steve McDaniel, Donny Pust, and Tim Erpelding.

The family wishes to thank the health care providers that supported them through the recent months and especially the staff of Houston Hospice – El Campo. Memorials may be made to Houston Hospice – El Campo, First Baptist Church Benevolence Fund, or a charity of your choice.