Matthew William Kelly

Matthew William Kelly Matthew William Kelly unexpectedly passed into the Kingdom on August 20, 2008 a result of a tragic accident. He was born on December 14, 1984 to his proud parents, Roger and Linda Kelly, and enthusiastically welcomed into the world by his doting siblings, Michelle and Michael. After graduating from high school at Brentwood High School in Austin, Matthew was accepted on scholarship to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, from which he graduated with a degree in linguistics and multi-cultural studies in May 2008. Upon graduating, he spoke eight languages with varying degrees of fluency. He was fluent in English, German, Romanian and Russian. He had been accepted to Moody for graduate school yet was weighing his options to broaden his educational experience by researching other institutions. Although linguistics was his chosen field, his inordinate intellect allowed him to become proficient in nearly everything about which he could simply read a book. In his short time on this earth, Matthew loved ministering the Word of God, and pursued that through mission work to Romania and Russia as well as ministering to any and everybody on Chicago or Austin...or any city street. Matthew had a true love and appreciation for his beloved family. His father was his biggest hero, and mother, in his words, his best friend. He had an adventuresome spirit and thoroughly enjoyed the frequent beach/surfing trips to Port A and ski trips to Lake Tahoe taken primarily with his sister, and arguably biggest fan, Michelle, whom he adored. He was devastated upon the sudden death of his brother Michael in 2003 while Matthew was overseas on a missions trip. Matthew was a true Renaissance man in every sense of the term. His affinity and reputation for romance and eloquence in both speaking and writing preceded him. He also loved hats, and his collection was astonishing...a different one for every mood. In addition to his family, Matthew leaves in this life numerous extended family, loving New Hope Church family, and friends around the world. His family can not express how the outpouring of love and support have blessed us. Visitation will be Monday, August 25 from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at All Faith's Chapel 4360 South Congress. Services will be held at New Hope Church at 6020 South First, Tuesday, August 26 at 11:00 a.m. Interment is to follow at Austin Memorial Park. I can still feel his pulse like a sonar from our days in the waves...