Matthew Joseph Marchand, Jr.

Matthew Joseph Marchand, Jr. was born on October 4, 1925 to Matthew Joseph Marchand, Sr. and Theresa LeJeune in New Orleans, Louisiana. He served in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific Theater aboard the battleship USS North Carolina. After Honorable discharge in 1947, he married Evelyn Joyce Dennis and they moved to Los Angeles, California. Matthew and Evelyn started their family with the birth of their first son Matthew Marchand III followed by daughter Marcelle Ann Marchand and son Michael Marchand. Matthew and Evelyn joined St. Paul Evangelical Lutheran Church in Los Angeles in 1947. Matthew was an active member of the congregation until his passing on May 2, 2012.

In pursuit of a career in the field of aeronautics, Matthew entered the Cal-Aero Technical Institute of Aeronautics in Glendale California, where he earned a diploma of Master Aviation Mechanic in January 1947. He also earned his Private Pilot Certificate from Scott Aero Services in Long Beach, and completed courses in Civil Air Regulations, Navigation, Meteorology, General Service of Aircraft and Radio Communications. Matthew gained initial employment with Douglas Aircraft Company in August 1947 as a line aircraft mechanic. During his employment with Douglas, he advanced to become a major contributor to a number of commercial and military aircraft production projects. He retired as a plant superintendent in 1984.

Aside from Matthew's extensive career in aviation, he enjoyed game hunting in the Western states, fishing from Alaska to Mexico, camping in Central and Southern California, domestic and international travel, photography, recreational flying, carpentry and boating. A fascination with the geography and history of the Western U.S. took him and his family to many National Parks, Monuments, cities and towns.

His witty sense of humor was matched by none. His jokes, corny at times, would always put a smile on your face as well as his lively ability to break out in song with his trusty ukulele. While he resided here in Los Angeles, Matthew often expressed his continued love and memories of the culture and heritage of his native New Orleans. Its music, history, food and people held a special place in his heart. His pursuit of knowledge and adventure fueled his life at every step.

Matthew is survived by his wife Evelyn, three children Matthew, Marcelle, Michael, sisters Carol and Jean, grandchildren Daniel and Blaine and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.