Walter Matthys was born on a farm near Riesel, Texas. After graduating from Mart High School, he received his BBA degree from Baylor University. He was awarded a fellowship at Texas A. & M., where he taught freshman education while completing his work for a Master of Science degree.

In the fall of 1937, he came to Pasadena to teach at the still to be completed Jackson Junior High. In 1942, he was appointed principal at South Houston Elementary School. In 1944, he was the first principal of Gardens Elementary, where the influx of people moving in created classroom overcrowding and the war limited available equipment. In the fall of 1963, he was appointed Assistant Principal at South Houston High School. In 1968, he became the Principal of the school until 1975. He then served as the home school coordinator until his retirement in 1978.

Mr. Matthys enjoyed many community activities. He served as president of the Downtown Lions Club and of the Greater South Houston Rotary Club, where he was a charter member. He was a member and past master of the Pasadena Masonic Lodge #1155, where he received the fifty year award. He was the Past Patron of the Pasadena Chapter #711, Order of the Eastern Star.

He was active at the First United Methodist Church, in Pasadena where he taught Couples Class for more than fifty years. He was the organizing pastor of Sunset Methodist Church and served as past-time minister until January 1953.

He always loved seeing a child change directions or meet the challenge because of something he said or did.