Matt D. Pate, Jr, 88, of Beaumont, passed away on Monday, April 6, 2015, at Baptist Hospital. Matt was born March 27, 1927 to Willie Mae Mullins and Matt D. Pate, Sr. in Nacogdoches, Texas.

Matt graduated from French High School in Beaumont and went on to serve in the U.S. Navy during World War II. Upon his return to Beaumont, he met and married Jeannine Lyon in 1950. He worked as an Operator at DuPont and later entered the workforce as a Broker, Real Estate, and Independent Insurance Agent.

Matt attended Lamar College and received his Chartered Life Underwriter, C.L.U from The American College of Life Underwriters in Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania. He received Dale Carnegie training which served him well as a salesman and in daily life. Matt never met a stranger. He loved life and laughter! At every opportunity, he shared words of wisdom, recited poems, and told countless jokes to inspire his children and others to laugh and ponder. In his spare time, Matt loved spending time on the golf course, fishing, hunting, and with his family and friends. He loved pickin’ on the guitar and singing country songs. He was an avid reader and loved to talk politics. Matt will be missed by all who knew and loved him.

Matt retired in 1989 spending his days doing his favorite things, even up to the day before entering the hospital he went surf fishing in the Gulf. He was lucky to have been so active and enjoying life at his age.

Matt was an active member of the Masonic Lodge #286 and B.F. Quicksall No. 1370. He enjoyed this fellowship and service to others.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents; wife, Jeannine; brothers, W. L. Pate, Sr. and Charles Winfred Pate, Sr.; and sisters, Betty Jean Pate Robichau, and Lavern O’Gilvie.

Matt is survived by his son, Matt Drake Pate, III and his wife, Vickie; daughter, Paula Diane Beaty and her husband, Dale; sister-in-law, Juanita Pate; and many nephews and nieces whom he enjoyed their company immensely.

A gathering of Mr. Pate’s family and friends will begin at 9:00 a.m., with his funeral service to follow at 10:00 a.m., Saturday, April 11, 2015, at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin Avenue, Beaumont. A private internment will be held at the gravesite.

Memorial contributions may be made to Humane Society of Southeast Texas, P.O. Box 1629, Beaumont, Texas 77704.