Matthew Owen Van Dusen

Matthew Owen Van Dusen, age 35, of Douglasville, Georgia, passed away on May 25, 2024. Born on January 19, 1989, in Melbourne, FL, Matthew was a beloved husband to Jessica, a devoted father to Amelia, and a cherished son to John and Karen. He is survived by his sister, Briana Moore, his family dog, Maddux, his mother-in-law, Linda Varnum, and his grandfather, William Van Dusen. Matthew is also survived by his sisters-in-laws, Jill Varnum, Mandi Varnum, and Joanna Varnum, and his brothers-in-law, Michael Moore, Jared Varnum, and Justin Varnum.

Matthew was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Joseph & Vivian Belanger and Patricia Van Dusen, father-in-law Brad Varnum and uncles Billy, Bobby, & Peter Van Dusen.

Matthew moved to Jupiter, FL in 1993 where he attended Limestone Creek Elementary school and Jupiter Middle School before graduating from Jupiter High School in 2007. Matthew attended the University of Florida, graduating in 2011 with a degree in Sociology. While at the University of Florida, Matthew was an active member of the Phi Gamma Delta (FIJI) fraternity and served as its treasurer for 2 years. The friendships developed there were his closest and extended into his adult life, with his brothers by his side during all his major life events.

Upon graduating from the University of Florida, Matthew enrolled in the Santa Fe College Police Academy where he graduated near the top of his class in the Spring of 2012. He goal was to be a school resource officer and pursue his passion for coaching football. Unable to secure a resource office position, Matthew moved into the classroom as a teacher. He began his career at Palm Beach Lakes High School as a Math Teacher and Assistant Football Coach, eventually becoming the Head Baseball Coach. When the opportunity to become a Head Football Coach presented itself, Matthew moved to Westland Hialeah Senior High School in Miami. It was here Matthew met the love of his life, Jessica Varnum. After a one year courtship, the pair moved just outside of Atlanta where Matthew settled at Westlake High School as a Geometry teacher. During his 5 years at Westlake, Matthew served as the Esport Head Coach, an Assistant Football Coach, and an Assistant Baseball Coach. Despite being an “accidental” teacher, Matthew excelled at his vocation. He was named teacher of the year at both Palm Beach Lakes High School and Westland Hialeah High Schools, and was highly involved in developing the math curriculum at Westlake High School. As the Esports Head Coach, Matthew delivered two state championships to Westlake High School. To Matthew’s students, he was loved as a fair and caring teacher who made Geometry fun and relatable. For any student, whether in his class or not, he gave his time freely offering tutoring both before and after school hours.

Sport of all kinds were Matthew’s passion. As an avid fan, he enjoyed attending sporting events of all kinds. Matthew was a fanatical supporter of Manchester United, the Florida State Seminoles (despite being a UF grad), and the Atlanta Braves.

He and his wife Jessica, shared a love for traveling; where they enjoyed the local sites as well as regional culinary delights. There most memorable trips include Savannah (where they got engaged), Las Vegas (where they married in 2021), Paris & Manchester (their babymoon), and the mountains of Western Carolina (where they shared time with extended family).

The most monumental event of Matthew’s life was the birth of his daughter Amelia Vivian Patricia Van Dusen in March of 2023. He cherished his new role as a girl dad and even stepped away from the rigors of coaching to focus on his young family. Though this time was cut painfully short, the memories will live on.

A Celebration of Life for Matthew will be held at Matthew’s and Jessica’s home (4120 Oak Stone Drive, Douglasville, GA 30135) on Saturday, June 8th at 10am. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Matthew's name to your local youth sports association.

The Whitley Garner at Rosehaven Funeral Home, located at 8640 Rose Ave, Douglasville, GA 30134, is assisting with the funeral arrangements.