“Great is thy Faithfulness” is the title of a great hymn. It is an apt description of Matthew Rice Dutton as well.
Matthew Rice Dutton Jr., a Beaumont businessman, returned to his creator Father on Sunday, December 23, 2007 at his home in Montgomery after a long good life of 97 ½ years. Matt was the only son of Matthew R. Dutton Sr. and Nell Coale Dutton. Matt is survived by his wife of seventy four years, Dorothy Kelly Dutton. Dorothy is the daughter of Emmitt “Buttermilk” Kelly and Claire Kelly. Mr. Kelly owned Kelly’s Dairy and was one of the Mayors of Irish Village along with Dale Broussard. Matt and Dot have one daughter, Charlotte Fuller of Montgomery, Texas. Matt and Dot brightened Charlotte’s life by living with her and her husband Earl for the last few years. In addition Matt is survived by many other family members. The Robert E. Coale family, the Peggy Akin family, the Ed Seymour family, the Janell Frusha family, the Pat Wheat family, the family of the late Ray Coale and the late George Coale, Martha Westbeld and Mike Wyman and their family, and the family of the late Addie Ingram are all part of this family that traces its roots back to the Spindletop era.
Matt joined his father at Service Foundry during the Great Depression and became President in the 1950s. The foundry contributed greatly to our country’s war effort during the Second World War. In addition Matt served on the board of Gulf Coast Machine and Supply. Matt was a faithful member of first Westminster Presbyterian Church, where he served as President of the Board of deacons, and then St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church where he served on the Deacon Board. Matt was a member of The Beaumont Country Club, and many other civic organizations. He loved tennis, fishing, dominos, but most of all he loved his family.
A memorial service will be 11:00 a.m. Friday, December 28, 2007 at Broussard’s, 2000 McFaddin in Beaumont followed by a private family committal in the Dutton lot at Magnolia Cemetery. A gathering of his family and friends will be from 10:00 a.m. Friday until the time of service at the mortuary. Reverend W.C. Hall, a long time family friend will officiate.
The family wishes memorials to be given to the St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Foundation, 1350 N. 23rd, Beaumont, Texas, 77706, or the charity of choice.
