Don Van Matre, Jr.

Don Van Matre, Jr. passed away Thursday, May 2, 2019, at Sweetwater County Memorial Hospital following an 18-month battle with cancer. He was born June 13, 1942.

Don was very grateful to have served his country and Sweetwater County.

He was first a soldier. Don retired from the United States Army as a Lt. Col. and an aviator.

His career accomplishments included flying combat missions during a tour in Vietnam and earning a Bronze Star for his service, serving as an aid to General Schultz at Fort Eustis, Va., commanding an air base in Panama, and serving as a professor of military science at the University of Wisconsin.

He later became a politician, serving as mayor of Green River and was currently a Sweetwater County Commissioner.

Don is survived by his wife Barb; his son Donald Van Matre III; daughter Valerie Persky; his babies Mabel and Annie; and his grandchildren Susan, David and Megan Van Matre and Honna and Louis Persky.

Military honors and Catholic graveside services took place Monday.

The family of Donald G. Van Matre, Jr. respectfully suggests that donations in his memory be made to Memorial Hospital Foundation, 1200 College Drive, Rock Springs, WY., 82901.