Celebrating the life of Daniel Matkin

Irving—Former Irving Mayor Robert Daniel Matkin, a longtime civic leader and beloved husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, passed away Thursday, Mar. 27, 2025, in Dallas. He was 92.

Dan was born Nov. 12, 1932, in Houston. His family later lived in Fort Worth before moving to Irving, and after graduating from Irving High School, he attended Arlington State College (now the University of Texas at Arlington) and graduated in 1952. He received a BBA degree from Southern Methodist University in 1960. He worked for LTV Aerospace Corporation for 22 years, then became president of American Bank, and later established Matkin & Associates, where he was a real estate broker for many years.

Dan always had a deep love of his community and was a gifted leader. In the words of current Mayor Rick Stopfer: “Mayor Matkin was a devoted public servant and worked to make Irving a better place to live. 

“Dan served on the City Council during the Texas Stadium project. Serving as mayor of the City of Irving from 1971 to 1977, he opened Texas Stadium on Oct. 24, 1971, and celebrated DFW Airport’s first commercial flight on Jan. 13, 1974. 

“Dan made sure that Irving was involved in the development of the Metroplex, working with Mr. Ben Carpenter to establish Las Colinas. He was a leader in transportation, worked to establish the Council of Governments, served as one of the first Regional Transportation Council chairs and was a big supporter of the Irving Convention and Visitors Bureau and Irving-Las Colinas Chamber of Commerce. Dan worked with the state to move forward with the construction of Lake Cooper/Chapman to ensure water for Irving’s future. Dan was a true visionary and made sure Irving always had a seat at the table and was well represented.”

In addition to Dan’s tenure as Irving’s 16th mayor, he previously had been a member of the Irving City Council from 1963 to 1971. In 1972, he was named an Outstanding Young Man of America by Who’s Who. He took on many additional civic roles during his long career, including serving as president of the Irving Jaycees, Irving Friendship Foundation, Irving Sister Cities, Irving Rotary Club, and the area division of the Texas Municipal League.

He had been a member of the Board of Directors of the North Central Texas Council of Governments and a member of the Joint Airport Zoning Board, as well as an early member of the Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) Board. He was also active in Boy Scouts of America, receiving the organization’s highest service award, Silver Buffalo, and helping to bring the Boy Scout Museum to Irving. He served as president of the Irving Heritage Society and received the Irving High Spirited Citizens Award, was past chairman of the Salvation Army-Irving Division, and had been Honorary Vice Consul to Iceland. And the list goes on and on. 

“He set the standard for me of an outstanding elected official with his leadership, community involvement, knowledge, and communication with others,” Mary Higbie, Irving Heritage Society member, said. “As I became more involved in the cultural and historic activities, Dan seemed to also be always present. Through his guidance and example, he instilled in others to do their best. He studied the materials for a meeting, asked the questions, saw the overall potential of the situation, and sincerely worked for the best results. 

“Dan has been one of the pillars of Irving for so many years. When you read the list of the many ways he served and the numerous awards that he received, it is obvious of his devotion to the betterment of our community. Irving will forever benefit from the many things that Dan accomplished as a mayor and as a leader, while always knowing it takes a team to be successful.”

The only thing Dan loved more than his community was his family. He married the love of his life, Earlene Miller, in 1952. Together they had three children, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Through the decades, Dan presided over countless family celebrations, road trips and cruises, all filled with love and laughter. He leaves behind wonderful memories that will live on through all those who loved him.

Dan is survived by his wife of 73 years, Earlene Miller Matkin; children Robert Daniel “Dan” Matkin Jr. and wife Sue, Mitzi and husband John, and Mike Matkin and former wife Kim; grandchildren Robert Daniel “Trey” Matkin III and husband Kevin Parker, Wendy Matkin and husband Kevin Ristau, Candace, Heather, Christopher and wife Danielle, and Melissa Matkin; and great-grandchildren Max Matkin-Ristau, Leo Matkin-Ristau, Diana and Levi. He was preceded in death by his mother, Margaret Foster Matkin; stepfather, V.B. Matkin Jr.; and brother, John Matkin. 

Services will take place Wednesday, Apr. 2, at Woodhaven Presbyterian Church, 3650 N. O’Connor Road, Irving. Visitation will be at noon, followed by funeral at 1 p.m. Burial will be in Oak Grove Memorial Gardens, 1413 E. Irving Blvd.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Meals on Wheels or the charity of your choice.