Lawrence Matunas

Larry was born in Gary, Indiana on October 20, 1956 to Alphonse & Eleanor Matunas. He is the youngest of 4 siblings. He graduated from Andrean High School in 1975. He played on the football team and was a star defenseman on his state championship hockey team. The team practiced on the ice at Notre Dame, where his mother wanted him to attend college. But being a typical teen it was not what he wanted to do however that was the beginning of his lifelong connection with Notre Dame. Instead he went to St. Mary’s College in Winona, Minnesota on a hockey scholarship. It was there on September 19,1976 he met Robin. They ended up transferring to the University of Tulsa where he received a degree in political science. A degree he joked about never having utilized.

Larry and Robin were married on June 27, 1981 and started their life in Tulsa, Oklahoma. After the hard work in college he wanted to enjoy life outside of school with his friends. He spent time water skiing and snow skiing, two of his favorite past times.

Life changed for the better on October 16, 1987 when his daughter, Michelle Ashley was born. She was followed by her brother, Alex Robert on December 18, 1989. Once he became a father, there was never anything more important in his life than his children. He remained devoted to them until his last day.

Larry was well known in the neighborhood for spending time in his ultimate man cave watching sports on the three large screen TVs. The walls are covered with memorabilia from his favorite sports teams including the Chicago Cubs & Blackhawks, Notre Dame, and the Glenpool Warriors.

He was incredibly selfless and exceptionally close to his parents and siblings, family was everything to him. Some of the best times were spent with his two older brothers, Bill and John. Throughout his life he developed many close friends that were as close to him as his blood relatives. Michelle and Alex refer to them as “The Uncles”.

In April 2004 his “little buddy” and best friend Reese came into his life. Reese and Larry loved taking trips together, visiting the lake and spending time in his beloved man cave. Reese was practically his shadow and was beside him at every opportunity she had. She was there with him during his final moments.

The last time the family was together was a few weeks ago for Opening Day watching the Cubs in Dallas. The only other time he went to an Opening Day was at Wrigley Field his senior year in high school... he always said the detention was totally worth it. His family will always treasure the memories of that last weekend together.


The lesson we can learn from Larry’s life is to live life to the fullest, doing the things you enjoy most, with the people you love the most.

Larry had a lifelong love of dogs that is shared with his daughter Michelle, memorial donations can be made in Larry's memory to the City of Arlington, TX Animal Services,

Arlington Animal Services
1000 SE Green Oaks Blvd
Arlington, TX 76018​

arlingtonwebstore.com/GeneralDonations.aspx