Clarence Jr. Matte

Breaux Bridge - A Celebration of the Life of Clarence Matte, Jr. will be held at Pellerin Funeral Home in Breaux Bridge on Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at 10:00 am. Clarence passed away peacefully Sunday morning, May 15, 2016, in his home surrounded by his family. The family requests that visiting hours be observed at the funeral home from 3:00 pm until 9:00 pm on Tuesday and continue on Wednesday at 8:00 am until 10:00 am. A rosary will be prayed at 7:00 pm on Tuesday. Deacon Marcel "Butch" Hebert will officiate the Funeral Service with Rev. Roger Whittington assisting with services. Musical Selections will be provided by Rev. Luther Burney and Chris Burney. Personal Remembrances will be given by Justin Cantu and Kelli Cantu, and readings by Tyler Poche and Kathryn Cantu. Interment will follow at St. Bernard Cemetery No.2 in Breaux Bridge. Mr. Matte was born in Opelousas, Louisiana on March 15, 1935. He was the only child of Clarence and Ruth Hebert Matte, who preceded him in death. He grew up in Jeanerette and graduated from St. Joseph High School in 1953. After graduation, he served in the United States Marine Corps from 1953-1956, which included a tour of duty in Korea. Upon Completion of studies as an Engineering Technician at T.H. Harris in Opelousas, he began a lifelong career with the engineering firm of Domingue, Szabo, and Associates of Lafayette. Mr. Matte retired in 2000 with 38 years of service. Mr. Matte was a resident of Breaux Bridge for over 50 years, where he and his wife nurtured and raise their four daughters. Clarence enjoyed listening to music on vinyl records, spending time in his garden, watching old western movies, and playing solitaire on the computer, but most of all spending time with his family. A devout Catholic, he was a faithful parishioner of St. Bernard Catholic Church and a weekly adorer at their adoration chapel since its inception. He had a special devotion to the rosary which he watched early every morning. His deep faith in God and in Jesus sustained him throughout his illness. He is survived by his loving wife of nearly 52 years, Edith Resweber Matte; loving daughters, Mary Beth Cantu and husband Rollie, Janet Nicholson and husband Gantt, Rebecca Burney and husband Chris , and Carol Warfield all of Breaux Bridge; grandchildren, Justin Cantu and spouse Kathryn of Breaux Bridge, Cassie Gillespie Simons and spouse Nick of Manassas, VA, Kelli Cantu of Orlando, FL, Brooke Gillespie, Joshua Warfield, Millie Nicholson, and Emilie Warfield all of Breaux Bridge; great-grandchildren, Eva Louise Cantu and Cecilia Frances Cantu. He was preceded in death by his parents. Pallbearers will be Rollie Cantu, Chris Burney, Gantt Nicholson, Justin Cantu, Joshua Warfield, Nick Simons, and Tyler Poche. The family would like to thank Nursing Specialties Home Heath, especially Tamika for her compassionate care. Also, special thanks to Dr. Debra Durham, Dr. Ingraldi, and Paula Mitchell NP for their untiring efforts to give him quality of life to enable him to witness the marriage of his granddaughter and the birth of his great grandchild. For these efforts we will always be grateful. Memorial contributions can be made to Hospice of Acadiana (2600 Johnston St., Suite 200, Lafayette, LA 70503) or St. Jude (501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105). Pellerin Funeral Home of Breaux Bridge, 211 Berard St., Breaux Bridge, LA 70517, (337-332-2111) is in charge of arrangements. To view on-line obituary, sign guestbook and view video tribute, go to www.pellerinfuneralhome.com