Quirino "Shorty" Mata, Jr

Quirino “Shorty” Mata, Jr. passed away on September 3, 2026, in Abernathy, Texas. He was born on February 24, 1946, in San Antonio, Texas, to Quirino Mata, Sr. and Esperanza Padilla.

At 18 years old, Shorty joined the United States Army and proudly served his country in Korea and the Vietnam War, reaching the rank of Sergeant. He was very proud of his military service and loved his country. For 18 years, Shorty also served with the West Texas Veterans Honor Guard, performing military honors for his fellow veterans. He took great pride in making sure veterans were honored and remembered.

Shorty liked his American flag and made sure it was always flying at his home. When the West Texas wind wore one out, he put up another. He was also pretty proud of his green truck with its patriotic decals. If you didn't know Shorty was patriotic, you probably weren't paying attention.

For 40 years, Shorty was known to many as the “Candy Man.” He worked as a route driver taking care of vending machines and usually had candy with him. He was always happy to share—but you got one piece. Shorty was generous, but he had his limits!

Shorty loved collecting model cars and liked things simple. He also liked his things where they belonged. If you moved something in his house, you'd better put it back exactly where you found it. Shorty knew where everything went.

But what Shorty really loved was making people laugh.

He was always joking and loved giving people a hard time. One of his favorite things to say was, “Hey, you ugly!” If Shorty said that to you, you knew you were one of his people. He wasn't trying to be mean—he was just being Shorty.

Shorty was a simple man who didn't need much. He was giving, patriotic, particular about his things, and always ready with a joke. He enjoyed making people laugh, sharing a piece of candy, working on his model cars, flying his flag, and spending time with the people around him.

Those who knew Shorty will miss his jokes, his stories, his generosity, and hearing him say, “Hey, you ugly!” Most of all, they will miss simply having Shorty around.

Shorty is survived by his daughter, Belinda Soto, and her husband, Bill; stepson, Miguel Olivarez; 10 siblings; five grandchildren; and eleven great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and daughter, Lisa Villegas, and 2 siblings.

A viewing will be held on Saturday, September 12, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at Venue on Broadway 2202 Broadway, Lubbock, TX 79401. A funeral service will begin at 1:00 p.m., followed by burial at Abernathy Cemetery, 1350 County Road 325, Abernathy, TX 79311.