Funeral Services for Darwin Matter, age 88 of Lytton, IA, will be at 10:30 a.m. on Wednesday, April 24, 2024, at the Emanuel St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton. Visitation will be held from 5:00-7:00 p.m. on Tuesday, April 23, at the Farber & Otteman Funeral Home in Sac City, IA.
We know this is a busy time as farmers are out in the field. If you can only stop by for a minute, don't worry about being in your farm clothes. We'd love to see you! ~ Darwin's family
Darwin Donald Matter was born in Lytton, IA, on August 16, 1935, to parents Harold and Leona (Scharn) Matter. He grew up on a farm south of Lytton and graduated from Lytton High School with the class of 1954. Darwin served in the United States Army, based primarily in New Jersey and Massachusetts, before returning to Lytton to begin his lifelong career in farming.
Darwin was united in marriage to Mary Seil Matter in 1963. This union was blessed with two children, Scott and Mike.
After starting with a small herd of dairy cows, Darwin and Mary moved to a farm northwest of Lytton where they focused on raising hogs, feeding cattle, and row crop farming.
Darwin took a lot of pride in his farming operation. He was extremely hard-working and was an early adopter of new techniques to boost crop yields and livestock production.
After retiring from farming, Darwin refocused on gardening, marshalling the same drive and passion that drove his farming operations. There was nothing he couldn’t grow and he enjoyed sharing a wide variety of fruits and vegetables with his friends, neighbors, and care providers.
He enjoyed spending time with his family and was enormously proud of each of his grandchildren’s accomplishments.
As a life-long member of Emanuel St. John Lutheran Church, Darwin served in various leadership positions and his faith was of paramount importance to him.
Darwin, 88, passed away on Thursday, April 18, 2024, after a long battle with prostate cancer. He lived his best life in his final years, always remaining optimistic and upbeat despite battling significant pain as the cancer spread to his bones.
He is survived by his children, Scott Matter of Des Moines and Mike (Janelle) Matter of Ankeny; grandchildren Zach (Nicole), Haley, and Hannah; sister Darlene (Chuck) Schmidt of Ames; and brother Darold (Jean) Matter of Lytton; great-grandson Beau; many extended family members and friends.
Darwin was preceded in death by his wife, Mary; parents Harold and Leona; stepmother Nina Matter; and sister Darla (Jon) Noel.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Darwin's memory to Emanuel St. John Lutheran Church in Lytton.
