Jon Matthew Birkla
Jon Matthew Birkla, 68, passed away July 1, 2025.
Memorial service will be 10am Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Albany Cemetery Pavilion.
Jon (Matt) Matthew Birkla ,68, passed away in Abilene, TX on July 1, 2025.
Matt was born January 9, 1957 in Mt. Carmel, Illinois to Calvin George Birkla and Ola (Pat) Creciann Birkla. Matt’s family moved around and settle in Pecos, Tx. Matt attended Pecos schools.
Matt worked in the oilfield for several years. After that he became a mechanic and worked for Anderson Automotive and had a shop of his own until he found a home working for Joe Bob and Richard Patterson at Patterson and Sons Automotive. He worked with Richard for almost 30 years until he retired in 2023.
Matt met Marian Jean (Whorton) Birkla in Pecos and they were married on February 19, 1976. They welcome Matthew George Birkla in November of 1976. The family moved around until 1981 when they settled in Albany, TX. In May of 1986 they welcomed Mark James Birkla.
Matt loved old cars, gardening, music, and traveling to the Fort Davis Mountains and Fredericksburg. He loved to feed “his” deer and all of his many dogs. He really had a soft spot for all animals. He loved his family and many friends dearly. He was a very hard worker. Matt was known to be hard-headed, stubborn, and sometimes say a few cuss words, but he had a big heart and would help anyone.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents George and Pat Birkla, his brothers Mark Birkla and Mike Birkla and one sister Georgia Birkla.
Matt is survived by his wife of 49 years Marian Birkla, his sons Matt (Sara) Birkla and Mark Birkla, his grandson John Birkla, all of Albany. Also, by two aunts, Juanita Hill of Conrad, TX and Barbara Blevins of Hobbs, NM and one uncle Clyde Birkla of Silver City, NM and numerous nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held 10:00 am Friday, July 11, 2025 at the Pavilion at the Albany Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to the charity of your choice.
Arrangements with Girdner Funeral Home, Abilene.
