Matthew Gordon Folts

1986 - 2020

BORN

1986

DIED

2020

About

Western Branch High School University of Texas

Matthew Folts Obituary

Matthew Gordon Folts, 33, was found to have left Earth and rejoined our Creator on July 8, 2020. Matthew was born on October 25, 1986 in Fort Bragg, NC. He lived most of his early life in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia and graduated from Western Branch High School in Chesapeake, VA in 2004. He immediately enlisted in the USMC Reserves, where he served two tours of duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2005 and 2008. Matthew was a Norfolk Police Officer in 2010, but left the department in 2011 to attend college. He started at Thomas Nelson Community College in Hampton, VA and then transferred to Houston Community College in Houston, TX where he earned an Associate of Science Degree in Biology in 2014. Matthew attended The University of Texas at Austin from 2014 through 2017, where he studied Microbiology and then switched to Social Work. While at UT, he was involved in numerous student groups and activities. While all were important to him, his work with fellow Veterans and with Voting Rights for ALL were his most valued. In 2018, Matthew became a Legal Assistant for the Texas Office of Attorney General in Austin, where he found much professional and personal fulfillment. He was outgoing, witty, and intelligent. He deeply cared for all creatures, great and small.

Matthew is survived by his sisters, Lillian and Laura Folts of Severna Park, MD; father, Jeffrey Folts of Severna Park, MD; mother, Martha Horsley of Newport News, VA; step-father, John C. Horsley, Jr. of Newport News, VA; girlfriend, Danielle Weidner of Orlando, FL; and an abundantly loving group of cousins, aunts and uncles, friends, fellow students, and co-workers. He was preceded in death by his step-mother, Sharon Folts; maternal grandparents, Edward and Gretchen Roche; and paternal grandparents, George and Mary Folts.

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, no services are scheduled.

In lieu of flowers, Matthew's family requests that support or donations be made to helpend22.org, nvf.org, or vets4warriors.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Virginian-Pilot from Aug. 4 to Aug. 9, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Folts

Sponsored by the family.

14 Entries

Dave

July 30, 2021

Well it´s been a year now, and time goes by...
I read somewhere that someone never really dies until the last person who remembers them died.
Matt is remembered by a lot of people, and missed more than he could possibly have known.

Dave

August 16, 2020

I first met Matthew when he was about eight or nine. His Mom and I were dating and she introduced me to this skinny blonde haired kid with a quirky “REN & Stimpy” sense of humor! He reminded me very much of myself in that way! Matthew was always kind and easy to like!
He got stuck in a tree once, and Martha calls me all upset that Matt’s stuck up a tree! Well, I was close by so I jump into my truck and drive on over! Upon my arrival, I realize that Matt had just climbed up about ten feet and then couldn’t get down! Of course, I had to make a big deal out of it, walking around the tree, I lit a cigarette and said something to the effect of “We have to be very careful because one slip could spell disaster! You could break your legs or have a concussion or something!” Matt just looked at me with that “Will you just shut up and get me down from here” expression on his face, and Martha was starting to get upset so I finally just parked my pickup truck under the limb that Matt was standing on and he jumped down onto the roof and all was well!
I was really surprised when Martha told me that Matthew had joined up with the Marines! I thought to myself, “He’s no frightened kid stuck up a tree any more, he’s a by God MARINE!” And that’s something to be proud of!
The last time I saw Matt was in 2010. I had taken my Mom out to breakfast at the Little Creek Diner, and as we sat there, a tall Norfolk Police Officer passed our table on the way to the restroom! From the back he looked familiar, but I couldn’t place him! My big Brother was a Norfolk Police Officer, so I knew quite a few Policemen. On the return trip, I recognized him immediately, and I about fell over, it was Matthew! A Norfolk Policeman!! He didn’t notice us, so I went over to his table and introduced myself, not sure if he remembered me or not. He did right away and broke into a big smile and gave me a hardy handshake, like one gives to an old friend! Best handshake I ever got! He asked about my Mom, and I told him she was over at the table, so Matt came over to our table and sat down and spoke with Mom and I for about five or ten minutes. Matt looked good, looked strong, like the uniform suited him! He looked happy...
I’m so sorry you left us, Matt!
We all are! Until we meet again,
Vaya Con Dios,

Sandra Thomas

August 14, 2020

Though I never met Matthew, I considered him my email friend. He and I exchanged many correspondences as legal assistants to opposing counsels in eminent domain matters. He was always professional and friendly in our exchanges. I know now that he had the caring heart I had imagined. We are terribly saddened by his passing and Matthew is deeply missed. My deepest condolences to all of Matthew's friends and family. May his love embrace you.

Rick Feura

August 9, 2020

To Martha and your extended family from Welch Avenue: May God and your fond memories together with Matthew help you through your grief. And may Veterans seek and receive the support they need. Love, Rick

Rick Feura

August 9, 2020

Michele Downie

August 9, 2020

Matthew was such an active, fun-loving boy. I'm sad that I didn't get to know the man that he had become. My heart is with all of you in this time of pain and loss.

Tony Brocato

August 7, 2020

To Matthew’s family, I am sorry to hear of Matthew’s death. I am one of the attorneys who Matthew helped lots. I could always count on Matthew when I had a document to go out, even if it was close to 5. Matthew would stop and get on his computer and help. He was a good person, kind and helpful. He will be missed. You all are in our thoughts and prayers.

August 6, 2020

Semper Fi Marine, Rip.

Melissa

August 6, 2020

I'm so sorry to hear about Matthew and for your loss. Grief can be so difficult, but your special memories of Matthew and those shared by others help to deal with the loss.
I'll never forget Matthew's smile and the joy & pride we all felt after we won at trial earlier this year. I'm glad I got to know and work with Matthew. He will be missed❣

Michael Gallagher

August 5, 2020

Sorry to hear about this terrible loss to your family. prayers and thoughts Go out to you all

DJ Jackson

August 5, 2020

My God Jeff! I am truly sorry for your families loss. My condolences to you and the family. Brother, you know, should you want or need anything, I am here.
D.J. Jackson
“7D Rough necks for life”

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