CPT. Madison B. Matakas

Madison Matakas, age 44, passed away at home on August 2 after a courageous 4-year battle with cancer.  It would surprise few who knew him that he died with a smile on his face.  He is survived by his wife of 19 years, Michelle Matakas, 13 year old daughter Isabella (Bella), his mother, Carol Matakas, twin Sister Rachel Matakas, two older brothers Thomas and Steve and numerous nieces. Funeral service will be held at 11a.m. Monday, January 22, 2018 at the Old Post Chapel immediate followed by burial in Arlington National Cemetery with Full Military Honors. Following the burial, a reception will be held at Texas Jack's Barbecue located in Arlington, Va. 

He was born in Dearborn, Michigan on May 23, 1973. He was involved in all kinds of sports before settling on basketball and cross-country in high school as well as a year of basketball in college.  After graduating from Olathe South (Kansas) High School in 1992, he enlisted in the Marine Corps reserve, serving eight years until 2000.  He had a break in service during which he earned an Associates of Arts degree from Baker University in 2002 and a Business Management Bachelor's degree from Ottawa University in 2004, while working in Kansas City as project manager.  Daughter Isabella was born on December 31, 2003.

Madison went back to his true career on September 11, 2008, when he received a commission in the United States Army. He is a well decorated veteran who served and deployed as a platoon leader and company unit movement officer, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation New Dawn from June 2010 through 2011.

Madison was a "presence."  He could walk into a room and make everyone in it feel special.  He was a loving and family-oriented people person, father and husband, quick to smile, with loud laugh and always asking if he could help no matter what he was going through himself.  When living with cancer became a reality, he handled it with as much dignity and grace as a human could, keeping his sense of humor, very little complaint, plenty of gratitude and a strong Christian faith.  He touched many lives during his short time with us.

He will be missed, and he will be remembered.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Bella’s education fund or the Washington State Colon Cancer Stars fund in Madison’s name.  You can find links to either below.  Thank you all for your stories, kind words and support. 

See links below for Bella’s college education fund and the Washington State Colon Stars

Directions for attending the funeral service and interment at Arlington National Cemetery:

Any non-military attendees please allow extra time to get through Hatfield gate. 

Directions to the Old Post Chapel from the Welcome Center

Head northeast on Memorial Avenue from the Welcome Center.

Take an immediate left onto the exit for Route 110 (if you go over an overpass, you have gone too far).

Take a right exit onto Route 27 (Washington Blvd.)

Follow exit signs toward Fort Myer. The sign will say "Fort Myer Only" on the right. This is the Hatfield Gate.

Once through the Hatfield Gate, follow straight on Carpenter Road. Turn left onto McNair Road. The Memorial Chapel is on the right.

To reach the Old Post Chapel, follow McNair Road until you reach a four-way stop at the corner of McNair and Lee Avenue. Turn right on Lee Avenue. The Old Post Chapel is on the left

http://www.arlingtoncemetery.mil/Visit/Getting-Here/Directions

 Service Information