Gary J. Matecki, 71, of Waterloo, died Mar. 11 in Belleville.  Gary was born April 3, 1953 at Booth Memorial Hospital in St. Louis, Mo.

Gary was a loving father, grandfather (papa), brother and uncle and friend. He enjoyed camping, fishing and hunting, horseshoes, foosball, Saturday morning cartoons, chocolate milk, westerns and a good nap.

After completing his formal education, he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps attaining the rank of Corporal. Gary served in San Diego, North Carolina, and Okinawa Japan with the 3rd Force Service Regiment, Fleet Marine Force Pacific in support of the war in Vietnam. Of his 2 years of service, he spent 11 months and 20 days either at sea or in foreign lands. He was awarded the National Defense Medal, Sharpshooter Badge and the Good Conduct Medal. He was honorably discharged and upon completion of his obligation he received a Certificate of Appreciation for his Service in the Armed Forces of the United States from then President, Richard Nixon.

He retired from Teamsters Local Union 610 where drove for Airgas for 20 years hauling hazardous materials until 2019.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Marion J. Matecki and Cecilia M. Matecki (nee Faust).

He is survived by his son Corey (Kimberly) Matecki of Waterloo; daughter Jessica (Konrad) Faries of Waterloo; grandchildren Kaiden and Easton Faries of Waterloo; brothers Robert Matecki and Roger (Robin) Matecki; his godchild Jamie (David) Augustine of Waterloo and nieces and nephews.

Visitation will be held March 18th from 5-7p.m. with a memorial service immediately following at Braun Funeral Homes in Columbia with Reverend Konrad Faries presiding.

Interment will take place March 19th at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, procession departing from Braun Funeral Homes in Columbia at 10:30 a.m.