Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Matthew Vandegrift Obituary
Marine Vandegrift wanted to serve his country, follow in family's footsteps.
By Melissa Mixon
AMERICAN-STATESMAN STAFF
Friday, April 25, 2008
Matthew Vandegrift was true to his word, so much so that friends said that when his father told him not to drink until he turned 21, the Leander High School graduate kept his promise, even after he'd moved to his dormitory at college.
"Even if his dad was never going to find out, there's no way he was going to let him down," Vandegrift's longtime friend Josh Payne said.
It was out of respect for his father, a former Marine, and for his country that Vandegrift joined the military in 2005.
Vandegrift was a Marine first lieutenant when he died Monday from combat wounds, officials said. He was 28 and on his first Iraq tour.
Friends remember Vandegrift as a man who was outgoing and fun but also true to his Catholic convictions.
"He always stood for what he believed in, and he was a guy who always marched to his own beat," said James Twine, a close friend.
Vandegrift graduated from Leander High in 1999. He was an athlete and honor student. After high school, his parents moved to Colorado, and Vandegrift earned a business degree from Texas A&M University.
Friends said that soon after, he joined the military to follow in the footsteps of his father and his brother Barrett. Vandegrift arrived in Iraq in August and didn't seem nervous about going there, friends said.
"He never lived in the future or the past. He always lived in the present, so he never discussed much (about his deployment) outside of 'I'm doing this and that,' " Twine said. "He always took advantage of every day."
Funeral services are 10 a.m. Monday at Horan and McConaty Funeral Home in Lakewood, Colo.
[email protected]; 246-0043
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Vandegrift
Raymond Jablonka
May 30, 2021
Thinking of 1st Lt Matthew Vandegrift today, I was honored to serve with him and his unit in BasraAs was present during his passing and the incredibly honorable transfer ceremony co-sponsored by our host British contingent and US Forces in Basra.
Rest In Peace and continued prayers for his family. All the Way! Ray J.
Charlie Gili
May 6, 2014
Hello,
We would like to express our deepest condolences and also let the Vandegrift Family and friends know that we will be sending Care Packages to troops in Afghanistan this week and we'll be dedicating several of these to your loved one. Each package will carry the name, photo and the hometown of Matthew R. Vandegrift US Marine 1st Lieutenant. We realize that this is a small tribute, but we do this with all respect and sincerity and we want you to know that it is made possible by thousands of like-minded individuals from across the American youth hockey community. We will not forget. May God Bless you and keep you strong.
Sincerely,
Charlie Gili & Family
On Behalf of the US Hockey Players Support Our Troops Campaign
Aaron Wolf
May 23, 2013
I had the pleasure of being Matt's Marine in the FDC and Humm-V driver for his stay with Fox 2/10. We had such a blast together; we managed to break our truck, trailer, and some rules, but that's what made him THE BEST. He wasn't scared to have fun while getting the job done and he handled one of the most intense Ops Chiefs in the Corps with such confidence, I was amazed, and you would be too if you knew this guy. He made 6 weeks in the Mojave my absolute favorite field op and I always share stories of his sense of humor, kindness and candor. I was crushed when I heard of his passing, especially since we last spoke while we were both in Iraq. My thoughts are always with him and the Vandegrift family. He was a great Marine and a friend.
I will never forget.
Semper Fi, Sir
Sgt Joshua Hishon
December 20, 2012
I know it's a few years late, but I just came across this.. I served with 1st LT Vandegrift for just shy of 8 months on the MiTT team, and my tour was done before they left for Basra. After all this time, I still think of him, and feel for your loss. Again, I am sorry it took so long, but I needed to say this after all these years. He will always be in my thoughts, with that smirk like he had when he'd walk into the operations center, and start asking me for the rundown of the previous day, or when he walked in, and we were trying to get a mouse out of the communications server. I pray your family is watched over, and your days are blessed.
May 30, 2011
God bless and Semper Fi sir.
Sgt Neve
Blake (Cousin) Durbin
March 7, 2011
Matthew Was a great cousin and will be missed Greatly
Howard Herm
February 5, 2010
Please accept my deepest apologies, I just found out today. May God forever always embrace you all.
Utmost and Deepest Respects,
LCpl Howard Benjamin Herm, USMC Veteran
Jen Easley
April 21, 2009
I attended Muster in Plano, TX tonight. My husband had the honor of answering for Matt. Our guest speaker mentioned a handful of Aggies who are blazing a path of service and leadership today. Matthew was one of the people he honored. My prayers are with you, especially on this one year anniversary.
Gig'Em and God Bless.
Ruth Pugh
December 26, 2008
Please accept my heart felt condolences for the loss off a hero, 1st. Lt. Matthew R. Vandegrift. I am a member of MFO_IN_ACTION and MMOL online and i have made a book of condolences for the family. I will mail to you if someone could call or email me. 423-256-2314 or 601-618-3438 or [email protected] It is made with love and it's something our groups do to say Thanks for your sacrifice.
Kenneth Jr. MacAlister
July 20, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Matthew Vandergrift:
My most sincere condolences to you & I will keep you in my prayers. I am very grateful for the sacrifices men like Matthew make everyday to protect my freedoms & keep myself & all Americans safe. May God bless you always.
LTC DA. Freiberg
July 20, 2008
My deepest condolences. "Greater love hath no man..."
Hamitlon Boone
July 18, 2008
May your son, the product of your love and devotion and his memory be celebrated in the way befitting a fallen Marine.
God Bless
USMC/1967-1968
Sgt Brian Hughes
July 18, 2008
I am so grateful for the service of 1st Lt. Matthew Vandergrift. Our country stands today only due to the courage of heroes such as Matt. I am saddened by the loss of him and grateful at the same time. My prayers go out to his family and friends. May God bless each of you in His special way.
Al and Nancy Michaels
July 18, 2008
To the family of 1st Lt. Matthew Vandegrift:
We send our sincerest condolences to all of you and thank you for your son's service and ultimate sacrifice for our great country. May God be with you during this difficult time.
Donald K Allen
July 18, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child. My deepest condolences are with you as you grieve.
Donna Trego
July 17, 2008
Your community has my sincere sympathy and I salute your community
for the honor you are bestowing on your young hero.
Kathy Stefanou
July 17, 2008
There are no words to express my deepest sympathy. Matt is a hero. All the soldiers who have sacrificed their lives to keep us safe will always be remembered. God bless you.
Larry Tomlinson
July 17, 2008
Thank you for raising an honorable American hero who gave his all for our country, and our security. I served in Viet Nam, it was my observation that God seemed to call "the Best" home to be with him.
Daniel Oliva
July 17, 2008
Dear Vandegrif Family: My prayers and deepest sympathy for you all.
Daniel Oliva Sr, father of CPL Daniel Oliva and Pvt Richard Oliva
Ansell Palmer
July 17, 2008
Dear Vandegrift Family:
It is because of Matt and those serving in the military both past and present that we have the freedom we do in this great country of ours.
Ansell Palmer
Tammy Pilch
July 17, 2008
May God keep you all in his hands and give you comfort during this time. Lt. Vandegrift will always be a hero for the sacrifice he made for his country. God bless all of you.
Marc Schie
July 17, 2008
Dear Vandegrif Family,
Somehow thanks just doesn't seem to be enough. Although I didn't know him, I served with others like him and will, along with my family be eternally grateful for his sacrifice. May you find peace and comfort during this time and know you are in our prayers.
Laura Elizabeth Morales
July 16, 2008
Matt was a great hero. Dearest Vandegrift family and friends, you're all in my thoughts and prayers.
Brendan Steinhauser
July 16, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the Vandegrift family during this difficult time. Matt was truly an American hero.
Nancy Pfander
May 11, 2008
Dear family of Matthew Vandegrift,
I want to thank you for raising such a fine young man that he was willing to step up and serve his country in a time of war. He is a true hero. He will never be forgotten.
I too am the mother of a marine killed in Iraq and know some of the pain you're experiencing. There are others like us in Colorado and we try to help one another. There will be a weekend family retreat for these families in Estes Park in September.
Please feel free to contact me. We've also started a chapter of the Gold Star Mothers here in Colorado Springs as we felt we needed support from others that have gone through what we are going through. It's been a great help to me to be with these strong caring women.
You are never alone. I thank you, especially, on this mothers day.
Nancy Powell, Colorado Springs
proud mom of Cpl Kyle Powell, USMC
Semper Fi!
Mary Sullivan
May 3, 2008
Dear Vandegrift Family,
Our condolences over the loss of Matthew. Our gratitude for his service to our country. What a hero!
Prayerfully,
The Sullivan Family
San Secondo d'Asti Parish
Guasti, CA
Robert Maguire
May 2, 2008
Dear Family:
Although I served in Iraq for two years, I did not have the priviledge of knowing your son Lt. Vandegrift. I did meet others who sound very much like him - big heart, generous to a fault, the best and brightest of Americans. We are all better for his service and sacrifice.
Semper Fi,
Col. of Marines
Tom Flood
May 1, 2008
Dear Mary Jane, Dutch and Barrett,
Lillian and I wish to extend our heartfelt condolences to you. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
It was a great honor to have been Matt's sponsor in Confirmation.
It was certainly a privilege and a joy to coach and be associated with Matt through his High School years. He was a lot of fun to be around. He will never be forgotten.
God bless you,
Coach Tom Flood
Brandon Bonnette
May 1, 2008
Matt was one of the funniest people I knew. He kept me in stitches whenever we hung out. I had classes with him that would have been impossible to sit through were it not for his brilliant sense of humor and wit. He is an honorable American hero, and I hold him to the highest level of respect. My only hope is that God is still able to watch over us and protect our troop, because I am certain Matt has him rolling on the floor in laughter! My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Vandegrift family at this difficult time. "Come to me, all you who labor and are burdened, and I will give you rest." Matthew 11:15-16
Nancy and Bob Bonnette
April 30, 2008
No bond is as great as that between a parent and child.
We had the pleasure of knowing Matthew when we lived in Leander and our son and daughter attended Leander High School and swam for Anderson Mill. He was a wonderful young man with a great sense of humor who will always be remembered as an American HERO.
Our deepest sympathies are with you and may God give you strength during this most difficult time.
Our family will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers.
anna
April 30, 2008
I did not know Matt, and do not know your family, but I do know that I will be forever greatful for the sacrifice he made.
My prayers are that you will find many moments of peace in this time of grief, and that you will feel surrounded by love and care.
Thank you for your sacrifice.
Edwin Welch
April 30, 2008
Many times I have expressed my high regard for Texans. When asked why, my standard answer is "because of the Texans I served with in the Marine Corps." We just lost one of the finest... Semper Fi, Ed
Lindsey
April 29, 2008
I had the pleasure of going to Leander High School and Texas A&M with Matt. Never a dull moment, even in economics. He will be missed. My condolences to his family and loved ones... "here"
Charles Wiseman
April 29, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers reach out to you as you try to get through this tragedy. Our thanks and deep appreciation to Matt and all those in the military for all they do for us, our country and the world. God Bless you and your family,
James Bishop
April 29, 2008
Sir,
You will always be remembered by the Marines of Fox Battery 2/10 for your outstanding leadership and sense of humor. You were a true friend and leader to all of those who served with you. Your outgoing personality and witty remarks will live on forever. You made a lasting impression on all of us during our Mojave Viper with Fox were the nickname Mongo was coined for you.
Semper Fidelis
SSgt Bishop
Max
April 29, 2008
In Pope Benedict's recent papal visit to our nation, he said that 'freedom is the ability not to do what we want but rather what we ought to do!' I believe that Matt was always a witness to this truth. The faith community at St. Thomas More stands in solidarity with his family and offers prayers of thanksgiving for the gift of Matt's life and for the many ways in which he touched our lives.
Mae Washam & Angie Cole
April 29, 2008
Our prayers are with you and your family. We HONOR Matt for serving and Protecting Our Country.
God Bless You All,
Mae Washam & Angie Cole
Members of "A Real Church for Real People"
Rachel D.
April 29, 2008
I just heard about Matt's death today. Please accept my condolences and I pray you are able to find comfort knowing he is in heaven. Your Matt was a hero and will be missed. May he rest in peace.
Sharon Deltz Sheguit
April 29, 2008
It was an honor to know Matt and work with him at STM. He had such a great and unforgettable spirit! No words can express the gratitude I have for his service. May God hold your family close and welcome him home. Yours in Christ, Sharon
Stacey
April 29, 2008
My heart and prayers go out to your family during this difficult time. Im sorry for your loss.
J M
April 28, 2008
I never knew Lt. Vandegrift. Lieutenant, this grateful U.S. citizen salutes you. God's peace on you and your family
Vicki Joyner
April 28, 2008
Your Matthew was a brave hero and though we've never met, I'm praying for your family.
R A
April 28, 2008
So many people give so much for each other and then there are people like your son who gives all he has for everyone. My thought and prayers are with the family and my heart felt gratitude to a man who gave his all for me and my family. God bless
Craig & Kathy Forney
April 27, 2008
Good kids are truly hard to come by. I have been fortuate to have two. My daughter, Erin, was in school with Matt. They were both very principled and yet fit in so well. There were an elete group of kids that you know you always trusted and that would change the world someday. Matt was one of those kids. And he did and his legacy will live forever as we honor his choices and those ideals that make us all a little bit better.
Brooke Wetuski
April 27, 2008
What a gift Matt was, and is. I only knew him for a short time, but he had me rolling on the floor laughing on more than one occasion. His life, for me, will serve as a reminder to live each day as it were my last, and to not take life too seriously.
Dayne and Jean Haltom
April 26, 2008
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember a great Thanksgiving dinner in Nederland, TX with your family! Love to you all.
Michael Walls
April 26, 2008
I was honored to have served with Matt in Quantico, Va and Ft. Sill, Ok. He pushed me to excel and will truly be missed. My condolences to his family.
Semper Fidelis,
John Faulkner
April 26, 2008
My deepest thanks and condolences to the Vandegrift family for their great sacrifice to our country.
Robert Godwin
April 26, 2008
So very sorry to lose another of our best and brightest.
Larry Lightfoot '77
April 25, 2008
April 21st was Aggie Muster for Texas Aggies all over the world.
The Muster ceremony consists of an address by a keynote speaker, the reading of poems, followed by the Roll Call for the Absent. The Roll Call honors Aggies that have fallen since the last Muster roll was read. As the names are read, a friend or family member answers 'Here', and a candle is lit to symbolize that while those Aggies are not present in body, they will forever remain with us in Aggie Spirit.
Many Aggies who never had the privilege of meeting Matthew are answering today.
Here.
Jennifer Eggleston
April 25, 2008
My thoughts are prayers are with the Vandergrift family. Many remember Matt from Leander , with nothing but smile on his face. God Bless You.
Rhonda Kelley-Seymour
April 25, 2008
I am an American who wishes to thank the Vandegrift family for their son who gave his all so that I may rest in peace tonight and to be able to pray when and where I want.
My deepest condolences to the entire family on the loss of this fine young man. May he be an example of what our Nation's armies are.
He keep us going
William Dove
April 25, 2008
I have had the pleasure of working with Lt. Vandegrift for the last year. He was the up beat spirit of our team and was always positive about all situations we found ourselves in. We the team miss him and will continue to for the rest of our lives. Our best to the family during this time.
Aaron & Amanda Araguz
April 25, 2008
Sorry to hear about your loss. Your son is a TRUE American Hero. God Bless you all and we will have you in our prayers.
William Dove
April 25, 2008
I have had the previlage of serving with Lt. Vandegrift for the last year on the team. He always found a way to lift our spirits when down and me and the team will greatly miss him. I wishes to the family for your lost.
David Johnson
April 25, 2008
Dear Vandegrift family,
I offer my most sincere condolences. Matt was an outstanding Marine who's optimism and jovial personality kept us all smiling. He will be missed by all of us.
Semper Fidelis
Cheryl Finney
April 25, 2008
Thank you, Matthew, for your service to our Country to help protect us and keep us free. My deepest condolensces to the Vandegrift family on their loss. As an Aggie graduate, I feel a deep loss in the Aggie "family" also. Even though I did not know Matthew, my heart swells with pride for him and what he did for us.
In the Aggie Sprit........"Here"
Ariana & Vincent Delbar
April 25, 2008
Vandegrift family:
We are deeply sorry to hear of the loss of Matt. He went to high school with me and my husband, and was one of the most colorful, fun-loving, carefree, hilarious guys in our class. He was well-loved and I know he will be well-remembered. Our thoughts are with you.
Peggy Miller
April 25, 2008
For Dutch, Mary Jane and Barret, your loss is resonating with each of us in the Miller family. We spent last night around the dinner table remembering times with Matt and the way he touched each of us and many others at the St. Thomas More Community. May the hands that welcomed Matt into Heaven embrace you now and lift you up. Thank you Matt for your sacrifice that others may live.
Arthur Bosco
April 25, 2008
I was a friend and teammate of Matt in high school. It saddened my heart to hear that he was taken from this Earth so soon. My condolences in this difficult time for your family. You are all in my prayers.
Dallas Ervin
April 25, 2008
My condolences go to the Vandegrift family during their time of sorrow. I wish to pay my respect and admiration to Lt. Vandegrift for his loyal and dedicated service provided to the United States of America. It is this type of service that keeps America a free country.
Lillian Egan
April 25, 2008
Dear Vandegrift family:
We're so sorry to hear about your loss. We knew you all at Leander when our son, Rick played baseball with Matt. A very nice young man
Our thoughts and prayers are with you. Thank you all for your sacrifice to keep America free. Matt has gone to a better place where there is no more pain and suffering. God bless you and keep you during this sad time.
Sincerely,
Jim and Lillian Egan
Anne Crawford Cain
April 25, 2008
I didn't know Matthew, but his brother Barrett came to Columbus to visit several times (with my nephew Brian Crawford). My thoughts are with his family at this time. Surely he is in a wonderful place. And, he lived a life that they must be very proud of. In the Austin American Statesman it told of his high morals and convictions. My condolences to his family and friends. Anne Crawford Cain and the Crawford family.
Brad Blauser, Wheelchairs for Iraqi Kids
April 25, 2008
In honor of Matt and his willingness to bravely serve this country.
May God be with his family and friends, giving you strength while granting you his overwhelming peace in the midst of grief. Gig'em, Matt.
Ray Clement
April 25, 2008
God bless. You are already missed here on earth.
Terri Curtis
April 25, 2008
My thoughts and prayers are with the family at this time of their great loss and sacrifice.
Soldier's Angel
Dustin Wilson
April 25, 2008
Thank you Matt for your bravery, I am honored to have known you. My condolences go out to the Vandegrift Family.
David and Jeananne Cox
April 25, 2008
We are so saddened to hear about the loss of Matthew, he was such a great kid and a fine young man. Our thoughts and prayers are with your family during this difficult time. You had a fine son and brother. Matthew's life was truly a blessing to anyone that knew him. We were so proud of him for who he was and for serving this great country of ours. God Bless
Kelly Bahrs
April 25, 2008
My heart goes out to Matthew's family. The sacrifices made by Matthew and his family are honorable and America is indebted. May the peace and comfort of God be imparted to his family.
Tim Lee
April 25, 2008
Matthew's legacy will be the great memories of him that will remain long after the pain of his passing. My condolences and prayers go out to John, Mary Jane, Barrett, and anyone else ever touched by this fine young man's life.
Israel
April 25, 2008
Peace be with you and your family.
ROSE ALVARADO
April 25, 2008
MY CONDOLENCES MATTHEW THANK U FOR SERVING OUR COUNTY AND MAKING A BIG SACIFICE-VANDERGRIFT FAMILY SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS!
cj
April 25, 2008
Thank you Matthew - you made the ultimate sacrifice for me and my family and the rest of this country. May God bless & comfort your family and friends. You are a true heroe.
Tonna Bouillion
April 25, 2008
My prayers are with all of you. I am saddened for your loss and can't imagine your pain. My family and I am grateful for your son's bravery in life and wish him peace in God's presence. May God help you through this difficult time.
A. Kasiske
April 25, 2008
Thinking of you and your family.......
Chris Orton
April 25, 2008
Thank you Vandegrift family for your sacrifice. Matthew, thank you for your sacrifice. God Bless the Vandegrift Family and God Bless the USA.
Michelle
April 25, 2008
Thank you Matthew for serving our country and making the biggest sacrifice possible to protect our freedom and rights. For Matthew's family...may you find peace in knowing that Matthew became an angel in the most honorable way possible! God Bless.
George Saenz
April 25, 2008
My deepest condolences to your family. I knew Matt from A&M; we were freshman together. We were also in the same TBS class at Quantico.
EDWARD FRENZEL
April 25, 2008
GOD BLESS MATTHEW AND HIS FAMILY. MY UTMOST SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS,THANKS TO HIM AND YOU FOR KEEPING THE USA FREE.
Diana Brown
April 24, 2008
Even though I do not know any of this family, I would like to extend my sincere condolances. 1st Lt. Vandegrift was a very brave man and a hero.
Showing 1 - 80 of 80 results
Make a Donation
in Matthew Vandegrift's name
Memorial Events
for Matthew Vandegrift
How to support Matthew's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Matthew Vandegrift's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
