Larry Neil Mattox, 83, passed away in his sleep on Tuesday, January 17, 2017 in Hemet, CA. He was born on September 1, 1933 in Comstock, Nebraska to Paul and Bernice Mattox. In 1957 he married Regina “Reggie” Miller, they were to celebrate their 60th anniversary this year. Larry was a music teacher who taught in Hemet from 1962 to 1993. He taught at Hemet High school where he started the school’s award winning jazz program. He also taught at the elementary schools and Mt. San Jacinto College where he started its jazz ensemble. Larry had an impact on thousands of Hemet students and added a love of music in their lives. Through his career he played music professionally including appearances with Bob Hope, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Mel Torme, Rosemary Clooney, Orrin Tucker, Bob Crosby, Red Skelton, Weird Al Yankovic, George Burns, Harry Connick Jr., Chris Davis, Pat Rizzo and many more. He was inducted into the California Alliance for Jazz Hall of Fame and earned the lifetime achievement award from both the San Jacinto Valley Chamber of Commerce and the Diamond Valley Arts Council. Larry was a charter member of the Hemet Community Concerts Association and was an active member of the Ramona Bowl Music Association. Larry is survived by his wife, Reggie and their 4 children. Shelley Johnson with her husband Charlie and their 3 children Bree, Michael and Cole; Steve Mattox with his wife Jennifer and their 2 children Georgia and Jack; Charles Mattox with his wife Lisa and their 3 children Connor, Charlie and Addison; Cyndi Robbins with her husband Jeff and their 2 children Abigail and Chloe, and his great granddaughter Gwyndolyn. He is also survived by his brother Russ Mattox his wife Evelyn their two children, Jim Mattox and Paula Fischels (Kurt).

Memorial service will be held on Saturday January 28th with a musical tribute starting at 10:00 am, service at 10:30am. Location: Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 26340 Soboba St, Hemet CA 92544. In lieu of flowers we have created two memorial funds: 1) The Larry Mattox Memorial Scholarship for a Hemet High school outstanding band member. Please send check or money order to 41701 E. Stetson Ave. Hemet, CA 92544 and 2) Donate to the Alzheimer association in care of the Larry Mattox Memorial - http://act.alz.org/goto/larrymattox