Thomas S. Matney

Thomas S. Matney, Houston philanthropist and emeritus professor of genetics and environmental science at The University of Texas Health Science Center and M.D. Anderson Cancer Center Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences, died on November 28, 2010 after and extended illness. Professor Matney made important contributions to scientific understanding of cancer-causing agents and the genetic mechanisms that underlie the development of cancer. His wide-ranging philanthropic and service activities enhanced the well-being of hundreds of Houston-area children and families. He was 82 years old.

Thomas Stull Matney was born on September 21, 1928 in Kansas City, Missouri. His family moved to Texas when he was 10 years old. He received bachelor’s and master’s degrees in biology and chemistry from Trinity University in San Antonio, and the PhD Degree in bacteriology from the University of Texas at Austin.

In the 1950’s Matney served as Captain and later civilian Medical Bacteriologist in the U.S. Army Chemical Corps in Fort Detrick, Maryland where he developed protections for chemical and biological weaponry. Dr Matney moved to Houston to join the Biology Department of the M.D. Anderson Hospital and Tumor Institute in September of 1962.

He became the first associate dean of the newly formed UT Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences and a Distinguished Professor Emeritus. He was also a member of the M.D. Anderson Steering Committee for Alumni and Faculty.

Dr. Matney was a generous supporter of the University and mentor to many graduate students. He personally financially supported students studying at the UT-Graduate School of Biomedical Sciences. He established endowments of The Thomas Stull Matney Professorship in Cancer Genetics and The Thomas Stull Matney Professorship in Environmental and Genetic Sciences, both to support scientific excellence and service to graduate education.

Dr. Matney’s community service activities focused primarily on the well being of at-risk children. He served as a consultant to the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department about problems concerned with violence prevention in children. He was a Trustee and raised millions of dollars for Hospitality Apartments, which provides affordable housing for those undergoing long term medical treatment in Houston.

Dr. Matney was a past president of Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, in Houston. He was also a Past President of Houston Chapter of National Train Passenger Association as well as other national and local rail road organizations.

Dr. Matney is survived by his wife, Nancy Lee Matney, and by a large extended family, including three children, from his first marriage to Glenda O. Matney, who died in 1990.  Charlotte Matney Appel and Andrew Thornton Appel, of Bloomington, IN; Scott Carter Matney of the Woodlands; and Monte Mohler Matney, of Lubbock; and grandchildren, Taylor Annette Matney, Kimberly Erin Appel, and Erik Thomas Appel. Other survivors include siblings, Edward Ross Matney and Susan DeVico of Oakland, CA; William Thomas and Susan Matney of Dearborn, MO; Anna Laura Cecil and Peter Cecil of Brunei; Susan Catherine Bell and David Bell of St. Louis, MO.

Services will be held on Saturday, December 11^th at 11 am at Emerson Unitarian Universalist Church, 1900 Bering Drive, Houston, 77057.

Local Arrangements, Hixson-Klein Funeral Home, Gower.