The Record Newspapers - Hometown News For Orange County, Texas

Matthew Crate, 49, was born June 26, 1966 in Fukuoak Machi, Iwateken Japan. After graduating high school in Vidor, Matt joined the U.S. Navy and served four honorable years.

After his service he followed his passion; cooking. Matt had a way with people, getting to know them as individuals and gaining lifetime friends. Through his cooking he was able to travel around the U.S.. His career peaked as he worked at the Pompano Club in Port Neches. Matt also enjoyed fishing, barbequing and life adventures.

He is survived by his wife, Denise Crate of Orange; mother, Doris Haire of Vidor; father, Milton Crate and his wife Marty of Rochester; three brothers, Thomas Lewis of Alfomonte Springs, FL, Damon Haire of Vidor and Michael Crate of South Bend, IN, and step-son, Taylor Porter. He is also survived by several aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by a step-daughter, Samantha Jackson; step-father, Thomas Lewis, Jr. and step-father, Samuel Haire.

Matt will be dearly missed by many. Visitation will be Friday, Aug. 21, beginning at 6:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor. Funeral services will be Saturday, Aug. 22, at 2:00 p.m. at Memorial Funeral Home.

Cremation arrangements were entrusted to Memorial Funeral Home of Vidor.