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Matthew Anthony "Matt" Duran

Matthew Duran Obituary

Matthew "Matt" Anthony Duran Matthew "Matt" Anthony Duran passed away July 19 from a motorcycle accident. We will gather to celebrate Matt's life on Thursday, July 26, 2007 at 1 p.m. at Nampa First Church of the Nazarene, 601 16th Ave South. Following the celebration there will be a full Military Honors burial service at the Idaho State Veteran's Cemetery in Boise, Idaho, followed by a luncheon. Matt was the oldest child of Tony and Penny Duran. He was born in Rocksprings, Wyo. on Jan. 14, 1972. He attended school in Wyoming and Arkansas. At the age of 18 he enlisted with Army National Guard after finishing boot camp he moved to McCall, Idaho. Idaho is where he made his home. He worked for the Department of Defense as a mechanic and was a Mortar Squad Leader for the Idaho Army National Guards Alpha 116th Company. Matt was very proud of his country and was honored to serve. He served a six month tour of duty in Bosnia in 2002. In 2004-2005 he served an 18 month tour of duty in Iraq. Throughout his military career he has received numerous awards, most of all he was proud of his marksmanship. He was extremely proud of his sons and enjoyed watching them grow and excel in things they loved. He shared his passion for music by singing for many friends and family. He never met a stranger and would instantly bring a smile to anyone's face. He was kind, gentle, outgoing and a dedicated friend to many. He gave freely of his time and was active in several organizations including coaching youth sports, Disabled Veterans of America, and Combat Veteran's motorcycle club. Matt is survived by his wife Merideth, four sons; Michael Grant of Batesville, Ark., Colton and Dakota of Horseshoe Bend, Idaho, Aidan of Denver, Colo; step-daughter Hannah Alexander-Melton of Nampa, Idaho. Father Tony Duran of Caldwell; mother Penny White of Cave City, Ark. Sister Cindy Duran of Florida and brother Joey Duran of Caldwell, Idaho. Maternal Grandmother Rachel Nichols of Horseshoe Bend, Ark.; step-mother Lois Duran of Caldwell; sisters Mandy Duran of Caldwell and Diane Duran of Nampa; Nieces and nephews; Kendra, Zena, and Hunter Duran of Cave City, Ark.; Bethany and Ella Duran of Caldwell, Idaho and numerous Aunts, Uncles, cousins and friends. He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and paternal grandparents. Memorials may be sent in lieu of flowers to Wells Fargo Bank - 12th Ave Branch, Nampa, ID under Matt Duran Family Memorial. A visitation will be Wednesday, July 25, from 6 to 8pm at Alsip Fneral Chapel in Nampa

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Published by Idaho Statesman on Jul. 24, 2007.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Duran

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Paul Smallwood

September 18, 2007

I have known Matt since 1996. He had a wonderful voice and we DJ'd together at Denny's. Good times all. I was shocked to learn of his passing and saddened that I could not be there for his funeral. I will miss him Greatly, he was a true friend.

Robert Williams

July 28, 2007

We will miss you Matt, we had great times doing what you loved, riding.
you will always be in our hearts.

best wishes.

Pr0eve.

John and Michelle Hicks

July 27, 2007

To The Family of Matt,

He will be missed deeply by all who knew him. My memory of Matt: He was the first soldier I meant when my husband re-enlisted. He greeted with me with a big smile and a hug from that day on, every time I saw him that is what I got. Our first family picnic was at the dam in Emmett, it was really hot that day and we had a “Pie Smashing” contest. You donated money for a pie and you smashed it in the face of the superiors. My husband was not on the list to receive a pie in the face. But after it was all done with, there was some extra “material” for a pie. Matt came over and got me an asked if he could get my husband. I told him good luck he will know what you are going to do. He told me, “Oh no he wont I have a plan. Just stick with it and we will get him.” So I did as Matt told me to and sure enough, he put the pie right in his face with out him even knowing what was coming. The worst part about it was the pie was pretty much made up of whip cream and on a hot day once that gets soaked into your clothes you pretty much smell rotten, Matt laughed so hard. He knew my husband was going to have to jump in the lake to get it off him, and he knew my husband hates the water. So what did Matt do? He escorted him down to the lake, over his back….down the dock and threw him in the water. Again Matt laughed so hard, that laugh that no one could ever forget.

If you are reading this and you never had a chance to meet Matt then you missed out on a great, sweet, wonderful, loving, funny and honorable man. He has served his time on Earth, now its time for him to stretch those wings we all knew he had, he’s now our angle in the sky.

Until we meet again, we will miss and love you every day.

God Speed,
John and Michelle Hicks

Dave Mc Kim

July 27, 2007

Matt,
you will be missed Brother. You always had the ability to bring a smile. You and your family will forever remain in my prayers. GOD SPEED...

Paula Redd-Johnson

July 26, 2007

I have known Matt for a long time he was always there for me when I needed him. He will greatly be missed by me and everyone that knew him. I pray for his boys.

Tate Schuldies

July 26, 2007

I'm sure gonna miss seeing you around Guard weekends! You always had something funny to say and always greeted me with a hand shake because that was the kind of battle buddy you were. God bless and see you someday soon.

CPT Jim Harper

July 26, 2007

Matt you will be missed. We served together for over 10 years and no matter were I went I could always count on seeing you there. (Emmett, Boise, Jerome, Twin Falls, Fort Bliss, Fort Polk, Kuwait and Many places in Iraq) I could count on you for constant energy and a good laugh. You touched the lives of many and will be remembered fondly. Pour a few at Fiddler's Green and we will join you as we have to.

Trish Huffman

July 26, 2007

Matt,
Of the numerous things I miss, I miss your hugs and smile the most. Thank you so much for all the hugs, dances, songs, laughs, kisses, and talks. I miss you dearly and love you even more. Sleep sweet until we see each other again.

Ruth Nitzel

July 26, 2007

Matt you are going to be missed by all who knew your infectious smile thats what made everybody love you..Merideth there will be some rough days ahead just know I will be here for you and praying for you..love ya girl Ruthie

Kiril Dimitrov

July 26, 2007

I will miss you, Matt.Till we meet again my brother,rest easy.

tami gunn

July 25, 2007

Matt,
We met in 2002 and became close friends and lost touch through the years. I was at Lucky Peak that very sad day and saw the accident happen. When I found out the next day it was you, I remembered some very fond memories of you. Your laugh, your smile and your wonderful singing voice. Your children meant the world to you and you will surely be missed. I once again feel connected to you since I was there with you that day. My prayers go out to your family and children. Until we meet again...

mellanie jones

July 25, 2007

Matt, I can't beleive that you are gone. My heart goes out to your family. I am truely gonna miss you. rest in peace and look over us all until we meet again.

Cat and Mike Thompson

July 25, 2007

I cannot believe that I was just sitting across from you as you sang that completely entertaining song and talked bumpers.....now you are gone! You will be missed but kept close in our hearts until we see you again. Our prayers go out to your children and family.

Violet Burns

July 25, 2007

" A real friend is one who walks in when the rest of the world walked out"
Thank you for ALL the times we shared..

Jodi Develbiss

July 25, 2007

Matt
you were always like a Big brother to me i will truly miss you, You will make the angels complete with your beautiful songs..
Love you..

Leafy (Cope) Farber

July 25, 2007

Matt always had a kind word and a beautiful big smile for everyone. We went to school together in McCall and sang many a song together through the years as we have remained friends both ending up in Kuna. My heart goes out to you Meredith (I am sorry to have not met you) as well as to all of Matts boys that he loved so much. I especially want to mention to Tony that you were always in Matts heart, he spoke of you often and I believe he thought of you as his best friend. He will forever be missed and I am proud to have known him...

joe daily

July 25, 2007

Matt
I will always remember your smile and awesome pesonality. All those nights bouncing at Hondos and hanging out at the race track.You will be missed.

Joe Daily

Misty Richardson

July 25, 2007

I have been blessed knowing you Matt. It was a honor being your friend. I will never forgot the good times we had in high school. For some reason we seemed to get in trouble alot. Your were always smiling that goofy smile, and always there when ever I had a bad day. I love you and miss you. Rest in peace my friend.

Mendi Whiteley

July 25, 2007

I was Matt's enrollment advisor at the Meridian Campus of the University of Phoenix. He was so much fun--one of my favorite students. He will be missed.

D.A.V Chapter #13

July 25, 2007

This has been a great lost at a young age. Matt was a great comrade and easy going. He was enjoyed by the Chapter and he did not mind being ribbed about being the baby of the chapter. He will will be missed by use and those who knew him. you may contact us at any time @ 1-208-467-3576 or [email protected] or [email protected]

George Grenley

July 25, 2007

Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your loved ones in this difficult time. There are never good words at a time like this, but know that we thank your for your service to our country and your kindness to your friends. You're free of this mortal coil and soaring with the angels, but we will miss you. Carry on!

Chris Askew

July 25, 2007

Matt,
It was an honor to know and serve with you. I'll meet you half way down the trail at "Fiddler's Green". May God welcome you and bless your family.

Norma Kofoed

July 25, 2007

Meredith, You wont recognize the name, but I'm your cousin (Your grandpa Ray is my uncle). We haven't met and I never had the opportunity to know Matt, but my heart goes out to you and your family. Please know that your are in my thoughts and prayers.

Heather Wiltrout

July 25, 2007

Joey,

May god bless you in this time of need. I hated to hear about your brother.

Heather Keller Wiltrout
Cave City, AR

Holly Brady

July 25, 2007

I will miss Matt so much! His laugh, his smile, his warmth and charm, his friendship. What I wouldn't do to be able to hear him sing just one more song.
Matt loved his boys more than anything in this world. He bragged about them every chance he got. He was so proud of them. I am sure he will be watching so closely over them.
I am grateful for every minute I was fortunate enough to have Matt in my life.

Chelsie Soon to be Natwick

July 24, 2007

Matt, I only met you a few times through my Fiance Shaun Natwick. I do know that you made us laugh on both rides we went on. Your smile was contagious as well as your laugh. Thank you for your many years of service and a few incredible rides to Idaho City. My prayers are with your family and children. I have heard alot what an incredible father you were. Thank you for the memories. God Speed and we will ride again someday!!!!

Matt and Annie Torres

July 24, 2007

Matt, you left us doing what you loved to do. Not everyone can honestly say that. We will always keep a spot in our hearts and food in our fridge for you. Bye Friend.

Teresa Spurriere (Kidd)

July 24, 2007

I am so sorry to hear of our loss. He will be greatly missed by many.

Lisa Iverson

July 24, 2007

I will always remember the good times we had as kids playing in the pool, going sledding, and getting in trouble at grandpa and grandma's, I know we did'nt keep in touch, but I thought of you often I will always cherish the times we had. I know you will be welcomed by many with love and open arms. We will miss you until we meet again. All my love Lisa

Erica Stumbaugh

July 24, 2007

I knew Matt through singing. We sang many songs together and danced many dances together. He always had a smile on his face and who can forget his distinct laugh. I will miss him greatly. May you rest in peace brother and now you can sing your songs to us from above.

Amber Howard

July 24, 2007

Matt,

You will be missed by all. You were a blast to be around and watching you sing will stick with me forever. I won't forget the last time I heard you sing. Rest in peace.

Richard Reusze

July 24, 2007

Matt,

It was an extreme pleasure serving with you these past few years. Find peace brother.

Shawn Hargreaves

July 24, 2007

My prayers to his family.

Ben and Gretchen Armstrong

July 24, 2007

You will be greatly missed by all who knew you. You will always be in our thoughts and prayers. We love you.

kathy little

July 24, 2007

Matt Duran you where a good friend i will miss you very much

Bob, and Maria Parcel

July 24, 2007

No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. Our deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.

Loni Monson

July 24, 2007

I only met Matt once, but I have known Merideth & Hanna for a long time. I know what Matt meant to them and my heart goes out to all the family. Thanks Matt for all your years of service to our country and all that you gave up to keep us safe. God speed and all of us will see you where your smile shines the brightest. My love and deepest prayers & thoughts to Merideth, Hanna, Joann, Doug, and Matt's children & family.

Janice Sarnes/Coleman

July 24, 2007

Dear Tony,

What a heartbreak to lose a son so young. Matt was a wonderful person and each time I saw him, there was a wonderful smile. My sympathy to you and your family.

Sonia Sherlock

July 24, 2007

My husband I were there when the accident happened. Our deepest sypathy goes out to all that knew & loved Matt. Sounds like he was a wonderful guy to know. We can't help but feel connected to him in some way now, and we only wish the connection could have been different. Please take good care of yourselves.

Sherlock Family

George Aldrich

July 24, 2007

I ahve enjoyed knowing Matt in what little time I have met him. He was a loving and caring man. He will be missed but always remmembered in our hearts. My prayers go to his children and family.

Kimberly Aldrich

July 24, 2007

I have had the best pleasure in knowing and working with Matt. My deepest sympathies go out to his children and family. He will be dearly missed.

Todd Trahan

July 24, 2007

Matt
You were a true Warrior and Friend.

Have peace brother, until we meet again.

Duane & Sheila Taylor

July 24, 2007

Dear Merideth and Hannah,
Please know that you have our love and prayers.

Ted Brumet

July 24, 2007

Sometimes I can still hear,
The sound of your voice.
The echo of your laugh.
The music you sang.

Sometimes I can see,
The grin on your face,
The sparkle in your eyes.
As your humor came out.

I remember the times,
The hardships we overcame,
The lessons we learned,
The joys we shared.

I still can’t believe,
That you have left.
That your time was cut short,
And you are not here.

I know that if there is a heaven,
You will be there,
Waiting with a smile.
And open arms.

I will never forget you,
Or the times we shared.
You were the patient one,
Always ready to make thing better.

You will be missed Matt.
For in such a short life.
Never has one heart,
Touched so many.

Rest in Peace, Brother.

Roger Goerrich

July 24, 2007

Matt, gonna miss you bro. Karoke isn't gonna be the same without ya!

Abby Reay

July 24, 2007

My heart goes out to your family. I was fortunate to meet Matt a few years ago on a school field trip. He amazed me with his dedication and love for his family and community. May you all be comforted and know that you are surrounded by love and prayers.

Dana Gillmore

July 24, 2007

Joey,
You and Matt will always hold a special place in my heart. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers.

Randy Jerke

July 24, 2007

Godspeed and rest in peace I will miss you

Mandy & Grant Collom - Killingsworth

July 24, 2007

Matthew,
Grant and I will miss you so much, you were so important in his life. We will carry you forever in our hearts and will never forget you.
We love you always.

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