Matthew Thomas Gatewood

Matthew Thomas Gatewood began his journey in life on August 15, 1987 in Malone, KY. He grew up in Oklahoma and earned his diploma from Stilwell High School. He went on to work in many different areas of the construction field, later specializing in building pole barns. Even when he wasn’t working, he could be found tinkering around the house, looking for things in need of fixing. His free time was spent fishing or hanging out at the creek, swimming and enjoying time with family and friends. Matthew had quite the appetite and would put in special request to his family for a good home-cooked meal. He also had a sweet tooth for snack cakes and candy. There wasn’t a moment he wasn’t cracking a joke, trying to make others laugh. He made a point to wear shirts that were too small, because he liked to joke that “they made him look buff”, snapping selfies to post online. He was a huge fan of music, anything from rock to rap, and loved UFC wrestling, occasionally grabbing up his siblings to try out his wrestling moves. A bit on the mischievous side, he loved to argue to get a rise out of you and had the best time haggling for a good deal. Through it all, one thing was for sure, he fiercely loved his family and would do anything for them. On Saturday, February 8, 2025 in Claremore, Oklahoma, Matthew was called to his eternal rest at the age of 37 years old. His infectious smile and joy for life will carry on in the hearts of those that knew and loved him.

He is preceded in death by his grandfathers, Leon Gatewood and Tom White, his dad, Thomas “Big Toby” White II, one sister, Olivia White and one nephew, Alykii Pringle.

Those left to cherish his memory include mother, Judith Gatewood, companion, ToniRae Steggall of Sallisaw, OK, his two sons, Matthew “Lil Matt” Gatewood of Stilwell, OK and Theodore Gatewood of Sallisaw, OK and his mother, Judith Gatewood. He also leaves his three brothers, Joshua Gatewood and wife Shannon of Stilwell, OK, Toby White of Vian, OK and Justin Perez of Okemah, OK and two sisters, Chellsea Hastings and husband Jack of Vian, OK and Christy Webb and husband Billy of Sallisaw, OK along with his nieces and nephews, Alexandra Brown, Thomas Gatewood, Jordan Crittenden, Parker Sumpter, Kaylee Sumpter, Stricker Sumpter, Akily Pringle, Adaiah Pringle, Anayeli Flurry, Kaya Billie, Shilah Anderson and Mezmerii Billie as well as special family, Kerry Leuthje of Vian, OK, Kay Alfred of Stilwell, OK, his aunt, Lisa Perez of Okemah, OK and many other loved ones.

A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held by his family on Thursday, February 27, 2025 at 12:00pm at Christian Worship Center in Stilwell, OK with Billy Webb officiating.