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Matthew Morris White

YEE YEE!

Matthew Morris White was born in Wheat Ridge, Colorado, on March 29, 1996. He was named after his great grandfather, who left him some pretty big shoes to fill. Matthew grew up in Colorado. This is where he made his first “best friends,” as well as his love for the Rocky Mountains, which laid the foundation for the next 24 years. He moved to Iowa as a teenager and it was there, in America’s heartland, that the YEE YEE seed was firmly planted. That pioneer mentality – a love of all things wild and free – blossomed and grew in the gentlest of souls.

Matthew Morris White
Matthew Morris White

As a boy, he made sure his DVD copy of “The Sandlot” was always stuffed in his backpack for sleepovers with family. In later years, “The Sandlot” crew took a backseat to “The Outsiders.” “Stay gold” resonated. … It was pretty clear the adventures of brotherhood called to him early on. A few of us chosen ones knew of his weakness for sappy Hallmark Christmas movies (any time of the year).

Matthew went by many names: son, brother, grandson, cousin, nephew … but the one he went by most often was “best friend.” Matthew could make more friends in five minutes than most could make in five years. When he called you friend that meant he was all in.

To know Matthew was to know loyalty. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for a friend, all you had to do was ask. His loyalty was equaled only by his desire to be free – to live in relationships that would not impede his wandering or take more than he had to give.

Matthew didn’t subscribe to the script handed down to most young men these days.
That meant taking risks.
That meant chasing happiness.
That meant offering forgiveness.
He was a searcher ambitious only for life itself. Most of all, he loved and wanted to be loved.

To know Matthew was to know laughter, … that soul soothin’, gut wrenchin’, healin’ kind of laughter. He was an infectious storyteller. You never really knew which parts were stretched, and in the end, you really didn’t care. He was a goof – and he was ours. That same cheesy grin he had as a baby shined through to his very last day.

To know Matthew was to know he loved America – the real America – the one that smells like freedom … diesel trucks, pig s*** (he had to love it, right?), burning rubber, Jack Daniels, Green Chili Mac, the Red White & Blue, every spare inch of the dance floor, and riding his Harley. From the beginning, that always felt like coming home.

Matthew left us suddenly on July 17, 2020, in Brighton, Colorado, doing what he loved the most. 
His brief story is a testimony to a life well lived.
His legacy, and his gift to us, is the family he created – a community of beautiful souls anchored in loyalty and love for him and everything he stood for.

Matthew’s list of friends is endless and we will be eternally grateful that you welcomed him into your world. We are comforted by your stories … and your laughter. We rest easy knowing that he has arrived in a place of complete acceptance. There’s nothing but the wind in his hair as he rides into an endless sunset with his best friend Tanner by his side. All of the empty spaces are full now.

Until we all meet again – we will hold you in our hearts forever.

In his memory –
Love hard,
Chase every dream,
Live free or die.
“They grew up on the outside of society. They weren’t looking for a fight. They were looking to belong.”
– S.E. Hinton

We are grateful for your continued prayers to carry us through this time.

Matthew’s family:
Shain and Renee White (Parents), Elizabeth Grace White (Sister), Madison Brooke White (Sister), Faith Rhiannon White (Sister/Cousin), Danielle Calvert (Sister), Sheryl Sadler (Grandmother – Nanny), Bruce and Carman White (Grandparents), Ralph Sadler (Grandfather – Pops), Shelley White (Aunt), Chris VanMatre (Uncle), Darin Crooks (Uncle), Dustin and Christie Crooks (Uncle/Aunt)

Matthew was greeted by many aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents and friends who have passed – too many to list in this short memoir – but who remain in our thoughts and prayers forever.

Services: Friday, August 7, 2020, 3 p.m.
Graveside Funeral Service – Sunnyside Memorial Gardens, 2267 Old Highway Road, Charles City, IA 50616
Celebration of Life – Reception immediately following funeral at VFW Post 3914, 1505 N Grand Ave, Charles City, IA 50616, United States.

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