Matthew “Matt” Mangum

Matthew "Matt" Mangum was born on May 10, 1983 as "twin 1" a fact he never let his sister Dixie forget. Always available to listen, tell a joke, suggest a movie/book/song or just provide a random fact to lighten your day. While he met his wife Demaree in middle school it took another 10 years for them to "finally" get married on May 20, 2006. A fact many liked to remind her. In December of that year, she gave him the greatest gift of his life their daughter Xoey "Leo". Matt and Xoey's mutual love of video games, books, pop culture, and computers left Demaree confused and amused most of the time since even the toaster was almost to advanced for her.

In August of 2024 Matt was diagnosed with stage 4 Esophageal Cancer and told he probably wouldn't make it to Christmas. Always a fighter for a good cause he said, "I WILL see my daughter graduate from High School." He did, even standing in the middle of the football field to take pictures with her even though they were under a tornado warning at the time. Although the cancer persisted in advancing, he continued to work and fight always putting others before himself. Even in the hospital and rehab he would ask anyone who worked there what their favorite candy/snack was and made sure they had it before he left.

His final days were spent at home where many friends, colleagues from Arete, family including his brother Frank, sisters Dixie and Terri, and kids that called him "Dad" came by to tell stories and offer support. Thank you to Hospice Family Care (Stacy, Linda and Crystal) in particular) for giving him that time. On September 17, 2025 the cancer won.

Although he may no longer be with us his family asks that whenever you hear a really bad dad joke or learn a completely useless fact you think of Matt. They also ask that you give. Give time to those who need it. Give hugs to those you love. Give a quiet moment to listen and not judge just as Matt always did. They also ask that you give to the charity your choosing. As Matt always said, "It doesn't have to cost a thing unless you want it to." Give your time, donate, help in anyway you can. He always grew his hair for wig donation and gave to the animal shelter all while being a Dad to Xoey and so many others who needed one.

Matt will be loved and missed but remember as the bible says in Matthew 28:20 " Remember that I am always with you until the end of time."