Matthew McCoy Beath
Matthew McCoy Beath passed away on Tuesday, June 9, 2020, after a six-month battle with liver disease. He was born on December 16, 1984, in Nederland, Texas, and was a graduate of West Brook High School and attended Louisiana State University and Lamar University. He played soccer before high school (a very strong fullback) and then lettered in track in high school.
Though it has been quite a while, those who saw the show will long remember his performance as the emcee for the Westbrook Spring Dance Recital his senior year. He showed the wit and cleverness to think on his feet in that moment in time equal to many on the talk show scene today. But getting up in front of an audience is hard, and he decided to go a different route than that with his life.
One of his favorite experiences at LSU was working as a substitute teacher in a kindergarten as part of a special English class; he really liked helping other people of all ages. He was well-known in the Beaumont community having lived the majority of his life there. His happy place was working at the former restaurant called Easy’s where he excelled as a waiter. During these times he liked to paint pictures and tell elaborate stories.
Wherever Matthew was, there were smiles. His happiness infected everyone he met. Five years ago he headed out with what he could fit in his truck on a great adventure to find himself in the vast expanse of the Great West. His parents were very concerned about all this, but they could not hold him back.
His travels took him to many park lands across the west (Big Bend, Yellowstone and others), and fed his love of geology and the outdoors. He tried so many jobs during this time including working at the famous Ahwahnee Lodge at Yosemite National Park, then later at a hostel in nearby Mariposa. From there he landed a job as a bartender at a casino in an Indian Reservation near Fresno. At some point he realized that his fortune was not going to be made working at the casino, or the catering service he tried.
So he moved back to Beaumont to re-connect with his friends here and meet new ones. He worked for various restaurants to find that right place for him, but he never found it. He was one of the initial employees in Beaumont of Favor Delivery – this got him a chance to roam all around the area and meet lots of people. Still there had to be something better he kept telling himself. If ever there was something to see, he was ready to go there and see it. Music was one of his true passions and he traveled to many concerts like SXSW in Austin and Bonnaroo in Tennessee, always seeking to capture and harness the passion he saw there. We are sad that his quest for what’s great in the world ended at such an early age. But those who knew him know well that he lived the years he was given to their fullest. Sometimes that is actually what is great in the world.
He is survived by his twin brother, Willard Andrew Beath, who resides in Cypress, Texas, with his wife Lauren Dupree Beath and their daughter Dylan Emery Beath; his parents John McCoy Beath and Deborah Kay Beath, who reside in Beaumont, Texas; his aunt Terry Lynn Bowers and her husband David Bowers who reside in League City, Texas; and his grandmother, Jane Westbrook Smith of Kirbyville, Texas.
Not a day will go by when we will not miss him. Matthew you leave behind so many people that love you.
Arrangements are pending under the direction of Broussard’s, 1605 North Major Drive, Beaumont.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Humane Society of Southeast Texas, Beaumont, or to the American Liver Foundation.
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Comments
Judy Kuhn
I am so sorry to see this. Prayers to the family and friends. RIP Matt! We sure had alot of laughs together..
Elinor (Ogden) Smith
So sorry to hear of your loss Debbie & family. Know God will send comfort.
Mary Parmer
Dear Debbie & John - I am so very sorry for your loss. Please know you are in my prayers.
Laura Duncan
I will always remember Matt fondly. He was the life of any party and my fabulous date to Homecoming senior year. Mr. And Mrs. Beath and Will- I am so sorry for your loss. It was great growing up with a family like yours and if you are ever in London let me know. I’m sure all of Beaumont will miss him dearly.
Sandra Girard
John, Debbie and Will and your family I am so sorry to hear if Matt’s death. I remember fondly of the boys playing soccer . Matt has gone onto a new adventure in heaven and I am sure that God is holding him in his arms. Prayers to you all at this terrible time
Debra Daniel
Debbie and John, I am so sorry! Lean on your faith and your family. Bless you!
Brad Lackey
Matt was such a unique soul with a contagious laugh. I will miss him dearly. Sending love to his family during this time.
Jan Tomlin
John and Debbie, My heart breaks for you at the loss of Matt. I know you are all heart broken. I remember the day you found out you were having twins and how proud you were when you brought the boys out to work for all to see after they were born. I hope you can find comfort in knowing that God has a plan for all of us but it sure is hard to understand at times like these. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Love always, Jan Tomlin
Sarah Garza
Matt you always knew what to say , how to laugh, and most importantly making others laugh. I think you were a special friend a lot of us were grateful to have. One Like none of the others. . I miss you and forever will. My condolences to the family .
Erica Marino
Matt, I'll never forget you. We shared so many amazing times together and you always put a smile on my face. I will always cherish the memories we had together in our HS years and early 20's. My prayers are with the family. I am so saddened to hear of this news.
Justin Girard
Though I haven’t seen Matt in some time, I always remember his ferocious tenacity on the pitch. He was a very very good soccer player and it was a pleasure to know him. My deepest condolences to Coach Beath, Will and the entire family.
Tiffany Meza
I met Matt when we live at west end lodge Condo Appartment !! He was always Smile and he never met a Stranger his Cooking was amazing we always hang out at the pool with other friends and another Deer friend was Kelli . We have so memories we Shared. Rest in piece my sweet friend !! So Sorry from your losses he will be dearly miss!!
Robin and Audrey
John, Sincerest condolences to you and your family from ours. You’ll recall my own experience with grief via my dad’s murder when I was in high school, 1990. You hired me at ERM in 1997, and the trial was in 1999. Many thanks for being supportive of me during an especially dark part of my life. From my perspective, it’s never something to be gotten over, but remembered and celebrated for the time we had. You are well-prepared, as much as one can be, for this loss. You are possibly the most positive-natured person I’ve ever met. Robin and Audrey
Ginger Woechan
My dearest Matt, This news is so hard to hear. Although, we haven’t been in touch in years and I have not seen you since our time at LSU. You were and will always be one of my favorite memories. Just like the time when it started to rain at the auburn game and the band got louder and so did we. Your light and love for light was contagious. I’ll never not look for shadow creatures. I’m so blessed to have known you. Love you always.
Stephan Malick
Matt was a student of mine at West Brook HS and was the student who could one day drive you up a wall — I'm the teacher that could drive students up the wall — and the next come up with and express the deepest, most thoughtful perspective on a given subject. I remember traveling on school trips for the yearbook and he was always the beacon of energy wherever we went. Matt and I kept in contact over years and I'm proud to say we became friends and enjoyed good times with other good friends together. I'm saddened that there is one less bright light in this world. Peace be with you my friend....
Cindy Fronczek
Debbie, John, Will and family, Our heartfelt condolences to you ! We are praying for comfort and consolation for you all! God’s Love and Peace, Bill & Cindy Fronczek
Rick Ridley
My deepest sympathies to Debbie, John, and Will. We had some wonderful times many years ago raising our children together , and I am truly sorry for each of you. Rick, Adam, and Kendall Ridley
Niq Hunter
Matt, you truly a unique soul and no one could ever bring a spark to any environment the way you could. I'll never forget the countless nights of doing absolutely nothing and everything all at the same time. I still to this day don't know how you were able to keep perfect attendance throughout your entire public school career and I still tell my kids about no matter what you made sure that you were in school, even on days that you looked like you were patient 0 for the next ebola outbreak. Your determination was extremely underrated and whether it was perfect attendance, forcing strangers together for roadtrips to places they would've never known existed or not letting anyone around you have the option of feeling sorry for themselves and forcing them to live in the moment you made it happen. No matter the distance, or time between us I always considered one of my closest confidants and you will truly be missed. Thanks for my nickname btw, at a certain point in my life more people knew me as the unofficial mayor of Beaumont rather than Niq with a Q. Niq "The Unofficial Mayor of Beaumont" Hunter
Heather Farrow-Brewer
In HS Matt showed me kindness when I didn’t deserve it but most certainly needed it. He ability to spread joy is rare and I envied that about him. Matt I hope you are happy and still making others smile. To Mr. and Mrs Beath and Will, I am truly sorry you are going through this and my heart goes out to you.
Stan and Diane Ruth
John, Debbie, and Will - we are so sorry for your loss, and you will all be in our prayers. May God’s peace and love surround and comfort you at this time.
Tara Desko
Oh Matt. My heart breaks hearing this news. It has been way too many years since we’ve even spoken., but I find myself often speaking about you, sharing memories of hysterical laughter and adventures. I hope you knew how much we all loved you and cherished our days together at LSU. I am so thankful that I knew you even for a brief time in your far too short life. Sending lots of love and peace to your family and all those lucky enough to have known your contagious laugh and smile.
Kirk M
Matt was selfless. He would go out of his way for others to be comfortable and enjoy themselves. Many times this required him to step out of the box and be the icebreaker (which he was incredible at). He sacrificed for the betterment of others. He was an amazing soul.
Dorthy Reynolds
So sorry for you loss. Matt was was always such a sweet child. Our thought and prayers go out to you all. Be free &Fly with the Angels Sweet Matthew Always in our hearts, Ms Ginny&Ms.Dorthy (Gens ABC Treehouse)
Laurie Reynolds
Matt was one of my first and favorite friends at ABC Treehouse. After highschool we became friends again and he instantly made his mark on me. He is still one of my favorite people. Matt always had a way to make you laugh and smile and have fun. Very special person! I will always smile when I think of him (and his commitment to that mustache!)
Jeanne and Bruce Murphree
We are so sorry to hear of Matt’s passing. Our daily thoughts and prayers are with everyone.
Ellen O'Donnell
John and Debbie and Will, I was so sorry to hear this news. I wish I could have known Matt. He sounds like such a joyful person. May Jesus Christ be with you now and forever. Love, Ellen
Mary Ellen Broussard Culver
Matt is in all of my favorite high school and college memories. He was the life of the party and a dear friend. No one has ever made me laugh or smile as hard as he did! He will be greatly missed but never forgotten. Sending my love to the Beath Family.
Lacy Storey Bell
I have so many fond memories of Matt growing up in youth group with him! Honestly, I can’t think of a single negative memory of Matt. He was always the master mind of all adventures. There was never a dull trip packed into that van or on those long bus rides when Matt was there. Super bowl parties, cutting up after church, and boyyyy did he love to annoy my father! His heart and personality was bold and such a joy to be around! Rest easy my sweet friend! Your family is in our prayers!!
Chelsea Easterwood Lee
I have so many special memories from all my school years that include Matt. It was special growing up with the Beaths and Fennells and having fun on Killarney street. He was always so full of life and even the most ordinary days were made exciting when he was there. He truly will be missed. Mr. And Mrs. Beath and Will, I pray God's peace will comfort you during this time.
Sarah Bowers Weeks, Jamie, Seth Weeks
we are so very sorry for your loss, Matthew was a very loving and likable young man. We always enjoyed being around him during holidays and special occasions. He seemed to have a great big smile on his face that would light up the room. He will be dearly missed. We will be praying for all of the family.. Love y’all
Dana Daniel
Matt, was such a ray of fun, happiness and positivity! You could tell he truly enjoyed life!! My heart goes out to his family for he will be truly missed.
John M Beath
Thank you Stephan. I'm so honored to hear how many people he touched. I'll miss him every single day and hearing this helps me to just move ahead.
John M Beath
So nice to hear that you have made it to London. I'was there a number of years ago and did not know you were there. Maybe someday. I will always cherish that photo of the two of you on the football field. I wish you nothing but happiness.
John M Beath
I miss those days so much. It was sad to see the old house torn down. But my memory is still there. You two were such and important part of our life. Thanks for all you did.
John M Beath
Thanks so much Mary - we miss you. Visited with Lauren Roche recently and that was so much fun. .