Matthew Edward McLelland

Matt was a thinker and a creative problem solver from a very young age. In fact, it was rare that there was a problem that could stump Matt, if he twirled his hair just right. That is, until he was diagnosed with a highly aggressive form of sarcoma in late 2018. Matt intuitively knew it was not a pulled hamstring as the first doctor suggested, and so began a journey to solve the problem.

Matt was born to Gerald Ralph and Annetta Sue McLelland in Dallas, TX where he was raised. Matt obtained his high school diploma from Dallas ISD’s Science and Engineering Magnet in 1995, after which he attended the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD), where he graduated with bachelor’s degrees in computer science and in mathematics.

Matt met his sweetheart, Chanita Chantaplin, at UTD and both relocated to Houston to continue their educational pursuits, with Matt attending Rice University for his PhD in mathematics. The couple married in December, 2001 and have two children, William (“Will”) Chantaplin McLelland (16) and Samantha (“Sam”) Chantaplin McLelland (12).

Matt recently said he has found the most joy in life spending time with his family, whether at home gaming with Will, cooking with Sam, trying out various escape rooms with Chanita and friends, or watching “Beat Bobby Flay” on the Food Network with a room full of family. The family enjoyed spending time on the beach, and Matt often brought a sense of positivity and fun to the gatherings with some new game he brought to the party. Matt’s younger brothers, Michael Edward McLelland (41) of Dallas and Marcus (Mark) Edward McLelland (34) of Austin, looked up to Matt and saw him as a positive role model personally, and as a co-worker in their dad’s company, McLelland Engineering. Matt’s easy-going, kind, and non-judgmental presence in this world will be sorely missed by his family and friends.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ralph and Lois McLelland of Harlingen, TX, L.Z. Edwards of Gatesville, TX and his uncles, Stanley McLelland of Austin, TX and Jim Edwards. He is survived by his wife Chanita Chantaplin-McLelland and children Will and Sam McLelland of Austin; his parents Gerald and Sue McLelland of Burnet; brothers Michael and Mark McLelland of Austin; and Chanita’s parents, Mike and Diane Chantaplin of Round Rock. Matt is also survived by Chanita’s brother Jason Chantaplin (Andrea) of Plano, niece Olivia, and several aunts, uncles, and cousins.

In light of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, a private graveside service will be held for family members only. A public celebration of Matt’s life will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests those who wish to express sympathy to consider making a donation to GiveWell’s Maximum Impact Fund (https://www.givewell.org/maximum-impact-fund).

Matt spent many hours discussing impactful philanthropy with his good friend Eric Friedman, as the message resonated with Matt.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ClementsWilcoxBurnet.com for the McLelland family.