Francis L. Mattos, Major, USAF (Retired)
May 20, 1929 – November 7, 1998

Francis Lloyd Mattos, 69, died Saturday, November 7, 1998, at his residence in Arden.

Born in Watsonville, CA, he was a son of the late Joseph and Folrence Hegerty Mattos.

As an Air Force pilot, Major Mattos served in the Korean Conflict and in Southeast Asia. He was a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Air Medal, and the Purple Heart, among others.

After retiring in 1971, he began a career in satellite telecommunications with Allied Signal Corp., from which he retired in 1986.

More recently, he volunteered with Meals on Wheels.

He is survived by his wife Floy Lining Mattos; three daughters Virginia Adele Arnold of Dunwoody, GA., Elizabeth Theresa Field of Fairview, Sandra Elaine Mattos of Asheville; three sons Patrick D. Mattos of Galveston, TX, Scott T. Mattos of San Leon, TX, and Jonathan Lee Mattos of Weaverville; eight grandchildren; a brother and several sisters in California and Texas.

Graveside services will be 2:00 pm Tuesday at the WNC Veterans Cemetery with the Reverend Robert E. Roach officiating. Military rites will be provided by the Buncombe County Veterans Council Memorial Team.

His family will receive friends 7-8:30 pm Monday at Groce Funeral Home.

In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to the American Heart Association, Buncombe County Chapter, 50 S. French Broad, Asheville, NC 28801.

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Maj. Mattos served a Vietnam War tour as a CH-3E pilot with the 21st SOS in the 1969-1970-time frame.