Eric "Ricky" Matt

Ricky Matt

Eric Dwight “Ricky” Matt, 70, of Iowa, LA passed away Tuesday, December 16, 2025 in the comfort of his home.

Ricky was born in Lake Charles and lived most of his life in Iowa. He was a graduate of Fenton High School and began painting as a trade soon thereafter. A well skilled and respected painter in the industry, he worked primarily in residential with some commercial and industrial painting through the years. He also worked alongside many friends farming rice and crawfish for many years. Ricky was one of a kind, a good ole country boy who knew how to live off the land. An avid outdoorsman, he loved and lived to hunt! Duck, goose, squirrel, axis or deer, any season was the BEST time of the year! His treasured hunts were those he shared with his son Blake in Missouri. He also loved cooking, his boiled crawfish were served with a guarantee you would never want anyone else to boil for you. He was famous for his roast rice and gravy, and he mastered wild game and etouffee and sauce picante in a black iron skillet. His cookouts were weather irrelevant, always accompanied by a bonfire and music, often Zydeco and at times a little dancing. Ricky will be most remembered as the life of the party, he recently celebrated his 70th birthday with family and friends. Good food, good friends, good times! He will be missed.

He leaves to honor his memory, one son, Josh Brandon Matt (Destiny) of Iowa; four granddaughters, Alexis Manning (Cameron), Brylie Matt, Leyton Matt and Braysen Matt; four great-grandchildren, Maverick, Copelin, Raelynn and Riley Manning; four sisters, Sherry Kremer (Kerry) Peggy Seilhan (Kevin) and Nancy Clooney (Scott), all of Sulphur and Rhonda Adams of Lake Charles; former wife and mother to his children, Debbie Nutt (Pat) of Iowa as well as many nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins and dear friends. He also leaves his fur babies.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Aurelian Matt, Jr. and Thelma Duhon Matt; son, Blake William Matt and twin brothers, Gilton Matt and Vilton Matt.

Ricky was of Catholic faith. A gathering of family and friends in celebration of his memory will be Monday December 29, 2025 from 4:00 PM until 8:00 PM with a Rosary service at 6:00 PM in the Chapel of Johnson Funeral Home of Iowa. His family will gather for private Interment services at Consolata cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to his family.