DonPatton Matthew "Matt" Pierce

DonPatton Matthew "Matt" Pierce, 38, of Pitkin, Louisiana, passed away on October 31, 2025. Born on December 15, 1986, in Mesa, Arizona, Matt devoted his life to his family, friends, and country.
Matt proudly served as an Infantryman for nearly twelve years, including two tours in Iraq and a deployment to Afghanistan. He earned the Combat Infantry Badge, Expert Infantry Badge, and multiple awards and decorations during his honorable service. Those who served with him knew him as a steady presence, a loyal teammate, and someone who could bring humor into even the hardest days.
Following his military service, Matt continued his commitment to protecting others. He served as the Emergency Manager at Bayne-Jones Army Community Hospital, where he worked to ensure the hospital and installation were prepared to respond to emergencies and care for Soldiers, Families, and the surrounding community. He took great pride in his role supporting the hospital and the Joint Readiness Training Center, and Fort Polk.
More than anything, Matt was a family man. He was a loving husband to Christina Marie Pierce, and an endlessly devoted father to his children: Addilynn (16), Kameron (13), Jacob (10), and Wyatt (5). His greatest joy was found in being their dad - cheering them on, teaching them, making them laugh, and showing them the world.
Matt was known for his bright blue eyes - "Old Blue Eyes," as one colleague from BJACH Operations affectionately called him - and for his ability to make others feel seen, included, and valued. He had a generous spirit and simply could not watch someone struggle without offering to help. Whether it was fixing something, building something, or just showing up when someone needed him, Matt gave of himself without hesitation.
He loved riding horses and participating in mounted shooting, raising livestock, and spending time outdoors. Some of his happiest memories were traveling and camping with Christina and the kids. He loved country music, golf, and cheering on the Dallas Cowboys and Texas Longhorns - loudly and proudly. One of his recent joys was a duck hunting trip with his closest friend and "honorary brother," Jake Belonga, whose friendship was steadfast and deeply meaningful in his life.
Matt is survived by his wife, Christina; their children Addilynn, Kameron, Jacob, and Wyatt; and his sisters Victoria and Shirley. He is also survived by his brother, Jake Belonga, in both life and spirit, as well as his loyal dogs - Tank, DJ, and Sgt. Pancakes - who were always by his side. He leaves behind extended family, brothers- and sisters-in-arms, and friends who became family.
A memorial service to honor Matt's life will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at the Fort Polk Main Post Chapel. Military honors will be rendered in recognition of his faithful service to the Nation.
Matt will be cremated, and his ashes will remain with Christina and the children until the family chooses a permanent resting place together.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project at https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org, in honor of Matt's service and in support of Veterans and Families.