Kenneth Daron Matcek, 64, passed away, leaving behind a legacy of hard work, creative ingenuity, and deep devotion to his family.
A man of extraordinary talents and endless curiosity, Kenneth was a true builder and craftsman who constructed his own home from the ground up.
Over the years, he poured his energy into woodworking, bee keeping, making candles and paper and enjoying time outdoors fishing, hunting and playing golf.
When he wasn’t pursuing a project or volunteering in his community, he loved nothing more than relaxing as a self-proclaimed, proud couch potato.
Kenneth was also a devoted dog dad who cherished his two dogs, Dixie and Zoe, loving them just like his own children.
Kenneth spent three decades building a dedicated career at Temple Inland before working another decade at Lumicor, ultimately enjoying a wellearned early retirement.
He was preceded in death by his father, Johnnie Matcek, and his stepson, Wesley Brinkman.
Above all his accomplishments, Kenneth’s true joy was his family. He is survived by his loving wife, Debra Matcek; his mother, Beth Durham; his stepfather, Melvin Durham; his mother-inlaw, Lillian Linton; his brother, David Matcek, and sister-in-law, Brenda-Lowe Whatley-Matcek; his stepdaughter, Kirstie Hart and her husband, Dustin Hart; his stepgrandchildren, Coleman and Wesley Hart; and his step-siblings, Marie Durham Dryden, Mel Durham Jr. and Myra Durham.
He leaves behind a strong legacy through his three daughters, Britan Smith, Toni Matcek and Alexandria Matcek Britan and her husband, Garry Smith, blessed Kenneth with three grandchildren, Kurt, Delilah and Luke; and a great-grandchild, Xander. Toni and her husband, David Batts, expanded the family with three step-grandchildren, Ian, Maxim and Ana. Alexandria and her husband, JJ Ibarra, blessed him with two grandchildren, Adalena and Julian.
Kenneth will be fondly remembered by a wide network of extended family and lifelong friends.
Even in his final wishes, Kenneth kept his sharp sense of humor intact, lightheartedly instructing his family to take his ashes to Hawaii, scatter them into the ocean, and enjoy a full vacation on him His steady strength, creative spirit, and quick wit will be missed deeply and remembered always.
A celebration of life service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at Strickland Funeral Home in Caldwell.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Strickland Funeral Home. They invite you to visit their website at www. stricklandfuneralhomes. com and sign the online register book.