June 20, 2026 - The family of Matthew R. Mathews would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible community that has surrounded us with love, prayers, support, and kindness during the most difficult time of our lives.
As we sat down to write this, we quickly realized there was no possible way to list every person who deserves to be thanked. From the day we lost Matthew, people have shown up for our family in ways we never could have imagined. Through prayers, meals, flowers, messages, donations, stories, tears, hugs, and countless acts of kindness, you have carried us through some of our darkest days.
So if you are reading this and at any point you prayed for Matthew, searched for Matthew, brought food, sent flowers, made a donation, shared a memory, attended a service, checked on our family, offered words of comfort, gave your time, lent a helping hand, or simply carried us in your thoughts, then this thank you is for you.
Thank you to everyone who called, texted, messaged, visited, and checked on us. Thank you to those who shared stories, pictures, videos, and memories. Seeing Matthew through your eyes has brought us comfort on days when comfort was hard to find.
Thank you to everyone who sent flowers, plants, keepsakes, cards, gifts, food, drinks, desserts, groceries, and household supplies. Thank you to those who quietly showed up and took care of things that needed to be done when we were not able to do them ourselves.
We would like to extend a special thank you to Todd and Darlene Clark and their family. The morning after we lost Matthew, they showed up with a meal, mowed our yard, and stepped in to help without ever being asked. In a time when our world had been turned upside down, their kindness, generosity, and willingness to serve meant more than words can express. We will never forget the love they showed our family.
We are also deeply grateful to everyone who donated, organized fundraisers, purchased benefit items, volunteered their time, or contributed financially. Your generosity helped ease burdens that our family never expected to face, and we will always be thankful for your support.
A special thank you goes to the search and recovery teams, first responders, 911 dispatchers, emergency personnel, law enforcement officers, Texas Game Wardens, volunteer boaters, and every person involved in bringing Matthew home to us and helping our family in the days that followed. We will never be able to fully express our gratitude for the compassion, professionalism, determination, and care you showed our family during one of the worst moments of our lives. The work you did mattered more than you will ever know, and we will never forget what you did for Matthew or for our family.
A special thank you to the Texas Game Wardens who chose to escort Matthew one final time and provide traffic control for his funeral procession. That act of kindness was not expected, but it meant more to our family than words can express. We will never forget the honor and respect shown to Matthew and to all of us who love him.
Thank you to San Augustine Cowboy Church, Wyman Roberts Funeral Home, and all who helped guide us through the days that followed with kindness, patience, and grace.
Thank you to Bobby Daw for preparing brisket and feeding our family following the service. In the midst of our grief, your thoughtfulness provided comfort and fellowship when we needed it most.
To Matthew’s friends, thank you for loving our boy. Thank you for sharing your stories, your laughter, your tears, and your memories. The love you have shown him and our family has been one of the greatest gifts during this difficult time. Watching you come together and support one another has reminded us just how many lives Matthew touched.
Most of all, thank you to every person who has spoken Matthew’s name, shared a memory, offered a prayer, shed a tear, or carried a piece of this burden alongside us.
You may not see your name here, but please know your kindness was seen, felt, and deeply appreciated. Every act of love mattered. Every gesture made a difference. Every one of you became part of the village that helped carry our family through the most difficult days of our lives.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for loving Matthew and for loving us.
With sincere gratitude,
The Family of Matthew Riley Mathews
Kayla and Kelly Parker, Shane and Jenna Mathews, Sharon and John Mathews, Seth Mathews, Kaylynn Lopez, Kallyn Parker, Chace Felts, & Sunny Mathews
