MATTHEW JOESEPH RANDALL
MARCH 25, 1989 – OCTOBER 22, 2006
Matthew Joeseph Randall, 17, Matt or GQ to his friends, left this earth all too suddenly early Sunday morning, October 22, 2006. An active (most times hyper-active) student at East Chambers High School, scheduled to graduate May 21, 2007, Matthew was a member of the Student Council, Business Professionals of America, an active participant in U.I..L. Persuasive Speaking, Debate and Interview Skills, winning numerous awards all the way to State level. He worked on the 2006-2007 Year Book committee as a photographer. He was involved in so many activities they are too numerous to list.
Matthew was always on the move looking for someone else to make laugh or to lure into a friendly debate. If you asked people to describe Matt in one word, you got adjectives like funny, smart, friendly, compassionate, larger than life and happy – check his My Space account for more. www.myspace.com/ecgq2007. Posting to Matt’s My Space comments are welcomed.
He knew no prejudice. His friends are his friends. Red, yellow, black or white – this young man was truly color blind. Tall, short, large, small – it didn’t matter to Matt. If you were one of the lucky multitudes in his circle, you know you had a friend to talk to, to make you laugh or just to hang out with.
Never one to pace himself, he lived an incredibly full life in his short 17 years, touching the hearts and lives of his loving family and countless numbers of friends, educators and business contacts.
Matt’s younger sister, Abby wants everyone to know “Matthew’s smile was contagious, and he will forever be with us.” His vibrant, mischievous smile was infectious and sadly, the world will be a little less bright with him gone.
To honor this beautiful young man, elected Best Dressed in his Sophomore and Junior years, and styling right through his Senior year, we are requesting “Dress To Impress” at his service for those who want to do so at the service in Winnie. It’s not a requirement, it is totally optional.
So focused on his future, his parents and family hope his memory will be honored by his fellow students and friends by working hard to achieve their goals, and never, ever drink and drive or drink and ride with anyone else that has been drinking. This can and should be all our legacy to Matthew’s life.
Matthew was preceded in death by his mother of 6 years, Jennie Lovett Randall. He is survived by his loving parents, Tom Randall and Patty Parfait Randall; his older sister, Kari Beth and her husband, Matt’s brother in law Fritz and nephew Robin, his older brother Sam Parfait (Big Bo) and his younger sister, Abby Parfait, and best friend Lauren Kurek, plus a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.
Pallbearers include Sam Parfait, Fritz Beth, William Randall, Danny Linsiesen, Adam Robbins, Ted Lovett, Kerry Royce Lovett, Steve Clark, Kurt Wigley, Devinn LaRive, Josh Mimms, Pete Evans, Zach Cravy, Josh Rutherford, Micah Menard, Preston Guillory and James Rambo. In our hearts we will all be there to carry Matthew home.
Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, October 28, 2006 at the Cornerstone Church, 3810 HWY 124 Winnie, TX. with 3:00 p.m. graveside service at Weeks Chapel Cemetery near Jasper, TX. A gathering of family and friends will be from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.Thursday evening at Broussard's 134 W. Buccaneer Dr., Winnie.
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Mathew’s Senior Class of 2007’s Project Graduation, PO Box 1752, Winnie, TX 77665.
Matthew’s family can’t begin to express our gratitude to the entire Winnie community during this time, to the Texas Department of Public Safety for their support, to our countless friends and co-workers and especially to Chamber’s County Sheriff Joe LaRive for his relentless search for our son, his tenderness towards our family and selfless dedication to this community.
