William "Pete" Matchett

William “Pete” Hayes Matchett, age 86, passed away on February 26, 2018 in Boulder City, NV.  He was born on January 4, 1932 in Pinehurst, NC to MaryDell and William E. Matchett. Pete married Nancy Kinney on January 20, 1954 in Elgin, IL. Pete and Nancy recently celebrated 64 years of marriage.

After graduating from the University of Illinois, Pete enlisted in the United States Army in 1953 and served as a Sergeant Medic during the Korean War. Upon returning to the U.S., Pete was stationed with his wife at Ft. Carson in Colorado Springs, Colorado. While on inactive duty Pete received his Masters and PhD at the University of Illinois; completing his postdoctoral at Yale University and UC Irvine.

In 1992, Pete and Nancy moved from Las Cruces, NM to Boulder City, NV after retiring from New Mexico State University as the Graduate School Dean.

Pete was a member of Sigma XI, Phi Sigma, Phi Kappa Phi, Order of the Eastern Star, Boulder City Masonic Lodge 37, and Zelzah Shrine .

Pete’s interests included reading, fishing, water and snow skiing, and scuba diving. As an avid runner he completed many marathons.  He was a Harley Rider and enjoyed traveling in his RV.

Pete is preceded in death by his daughter Cheryl Matchett;  brother Bob Matchett; parents MaryDell and William.  Pete is survived by his wife Nancy; son Douglas (MaryKarol); three grandchildren Scott Matchett, Kara Matchett, and Brian (Magen) Thompson; great grandson Gordon Hayes Thompson; and sister MaryDell Chilton.

Memorial Services will be held on Friday May 4, 2018 at 12:40 pm at the Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery 1900 Veterans Memorial Drive Boulder City, NV.  In lieu of flowers, please make a donation in Pete's name to Zelzah Shrine. Family and friends can sign an online memorial guest book at www.bouldercityfamilymortuary.com