Matthew Dean Richard

Matthew Dean Richard of Lake Charles, Louisiana, died in an auto accident on December 18, 2025, at the age of 40. Matthew was born July 23, 1985, in Lafayette, Louisiana, and grew up in Houston, where he lived for most of his life. As an adorable little boy and later as a teen, he was always quick-witted and tenacious. He was never able to let a challenge go unresolved. His teachers would tell stories of him oftentimes remaining late in the classroom to tackle a perplexing problem. Matthew was outgoing, generous, caring and confident in his convictions and in the way he lived in the world. He was always full of life and energy. He was devoted to his family, and above all, he was devoted to his beloved daughter, Chloe. He loved to make food for the people he cared about, and over time, he became a very good cook. He would always arrive at family gatherings with a cooler full of food, more than we could ever eat. He would bring boudin, stuffed chickens, seafood, and ingredients for the dishes he’d make for all. He was happy to be living back in Louisiana where he’d found a fulfilling job working for Bechtel, a good school for Chloe, and had access to superb Cajun cuisine and bountiful seafood. When it was time to say good-bye, Matthew always embraced us. He would clasp his hands behind each of us in turn, and lift us up off our feet for a moment before setting us carefully back on the ground in what was clearly a singular gesture of love and affection. Matthew was a man who embraced life and those he loved fully and unconditionally, and in his own unique way. Matthew is survived by his daughter Chloe; and Chloe’s mother, Samantha Stolp; his mother, Brenda Tuley; his stepfather, Aaron Tuley; his brother, Marcus; and father, Dean Richard. He also leaves behind grandparents Bill and Dorma Kindle, Nancy Richard, and Ann Tuley, great grandmother, Violet Kindle; and multiple sets of aunts, uncles and a herd of cousins. He will be missed by his family, and by the friends he made throughout his life. He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Gilman Richard, Sr. Although Matthew's physical presence may no longer grace our lives, he will continue to lift us up, his spirit living on within us, and especially within his beloved daughter, Chloe. A memorial Mass will be held on Saturday, January 24, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. at St Theresa’s Catholic Church, 6622 Haskell St, Houston, TX 77007. After the service a reception will be held at the Fellowship Hall. The family requests donations to an educational fund for Matthew’s daughter, Chloe, in lieu of flowers. Details: Mail a check - Payable to: Merrill Lynch FBO Chloe Richard. On memo line, write Chloe Richard. Mail the check to Merrill Lynch 800 Capitol Ste 1900 Houston, TX 77002 ---- or------ Spectrum Credit Union (Bechtel branches), On memo line, write in “FBO Chloe Richard”, account held by Brenda Tuley. Donations can also be made through Brenda Tuley’s Zelle account. Please provide a note stating your donation is intended for Chloe Richard.

Matthew Dean Richard

July 23, 1985 - December 18, 2025