Matthew J. Frantz

Matthew Jonathan Frantz, passed through this veil of tears all too suddenly on Thursday, the 4th of September, 2014. He was a man of faith and quiet joy, with a smile that sparkled. Though now his love is even greater as he rests in God’s arms, we are heartbroken. Words are inadequate to describe the impact of his life and his love.

Born in Detroit on the 2nd of September 1969, to Judith and Philip Frantz, Matthew enjoyed a quiet but adventurous childhood in Fenton, Michigan, filling his days with outdoor play, interrupted only by school and family vacations, pop-up trailer in tow.

He was an avid hockey fan and player, enjoying his position as left wing for the Flint Icelanders and the Linden High School Eagles. He balanced his love of cross-country running with marching band, in which he played the tuba, and graduated in 1988. He attended Michigan State University and, spurred on by his love of sports and teaching, earned his degree in Kinesiology.

With his degree in hand, wanting to explore the world outside of Michigan, he traveled first to Colorado and then to California. Finally, with his motorcycle loaded up, he made the long ride to Texas and planted his roots, meeting and marrying the love of his life.

With his wife, Milane, by his side, he began to explore the world. Their travels took them to New Zealand, Italy, the Caribbean and even to Africa, where he discovered his love of hunting. But, his passion was always the water. He spent many happy hours fishing, swimming, scuba diving and, with the occasional rum drink in hand, sitting on the beach, enjoying the crashing waves. A kind-hearted pirate, a minstrel with his beloved guitars, he would play the songs of the sea.

Always eager for adventure, he would pry himself away from his growing family to indulge his passions. Whether it was trail bike riding with his family and friends in the TRH or traveling to Africa for big game hunting, he eagerly endured harsh conditions to explore new cultures. No matter where he went though, his heart always remained at home, with his wife and children.

Matthew was always searching, investigating, learning new things, from the science experiments conducted in the kitchen with his young son to his recent career switch into woodworking, his life-long passion. His career path took many turns and he was always eager to explore new fields, develop new skills. He was never too proud to start at the bottom and impressed all with his determination, dedication and strong work ethic.

He leaves behind his loving wife, Milane, their two precious children, his parents, his elder brother Philip, his sister Rebekah, with her husband Palmer, and his sister Julia. He is survived by numerous nieces and nephews, all of whom are proud to call him “Uncle.” His friends, both new and long-standing, mourn his passing, but remember him as supportive, faithful and kind. Always kind. He loved. He was loved. And he

will be missed.

A memorial service is to be conducted at two o’clock in the afternoon on Saturday, the 13th of September, in the Jasek Chapel of Geo. H. Lewis & Sons, 1010 Bering Drive in Houston, where Pastor Don Keathley, Senior Pastor of Grace Point Community Church, is to officiate.

In lieu of customary remembrances, contributions may be directed to Bo’s Place, 10050 Buffalo Speedway, Houston, TX 77054; or to the charity of one's choice. Matthew believed in giving back, particularly to charities whose missions are educating and supporting children.

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