Willie John Matte

Church Point, LA: Willie John Matte, 86, of Morgan City, LA, passed away peacefully in hospice care on September 19, 2025. A Memorial service will be held by Deacon David Menard at 2:00 PM Saturday, September 27 at Guidry Funeral Home, Church Point, LA, with visitation there from 10:00 AM until the time of Services. A Rosary will be recited at 1:45 PM by Deacon Menard.

Willie was born on January 8, 1939 in Church Point, Louisiana to Oscar and Amire Matte. He was born into a sharecropper family that farmed cotton. Willie enlisted in the United States Marine Corps in 1956 and was deployed to Okinawa, Japan. He served his enlistment and returned to Church Point briefly before moving to Morgan City to work in the oilfield. While in Morgan City, he met his wife and mother of his kids, Bennie Matte. Bennie had a son from a previous marriage that Willie loved as his own, Danny McDonald (Julie). Willie and Bennie had three children, Lori Jacobsen, Nathan Matte (Jill), and Kelli Kent (Dwight). He had seven grandchildren, Joseph Jacobsen (Mandy), Danielle McDonald, Scott McDonald, Silas Wade, Julia Matte, Briar Kent, and Evelyn Matte. He had one great-grandchild, Luke Jacobsen. Not only was Willie a great father and grandfather, he was also a great shot with a shotgun. He used that natural ability while quail and dove hunting. Along with his love of bird hunting, Willie was passionate about horses and horse racing. He loved drinking coffee and discussing the day's headlines with his friends every morning. Willie was a great story teller. He always found a way to put a humorous spin on any story. He had a special way of captivating his audience with his enthusiasm and passion for a great story. His sense of humor was contagious and he always looked for the best in every situation. Willie was also an exceptional listener who actively listened no matter what the topic. He was very generous, almost to a fault, and would give his last penny to someone who needed it. His humor and generosity will be what his friends and family miss most.

He was preceded in death by parents, Oscar and Amire; brother, Elvie Matte; sisters, Elmire Richard and Janell Higginbotham and daughter, Lori Jacobsen. Willie is survived by his three children: Danny McDonald, Nathan Matte, and Kelli Kent; his seven grandchildren, Joseph, Danielle, Scott, Silas, Julia, Briar and Evelyn; his great-grandson, Luke; brother, John Matte (Gloria); sister, Lola Lions and a host of nieces and nephews.