Matthew Hunter McLaughlin Sr. of Garland, Texas, passed away on Sunday, October 4, 2026, in Dallas, Texas. He was a proud and loyal husband, son, father, brother, Poppa, uncle, and friend, and he will be deeply missed.
Matthew was born on September 16, 1969, in Garland, Texas, to parents David Lee McLaughlin and Joy Rosalyn McLaughlin. With 8 brothers and sisters, their home was filled with noise, chaos, laughter and an immeasurable amount of love. That love was felt by everyone in town, as their home was a magnet for anyone looking for a fun time, a place to crash, or a delicious meal from Rozzie. From his Pop, David, he learned how to work hard, how to fix things, and how to step up when challenges arose. From his Momma, Rosalyn, he learned how to tell a story, how to get a laugh, how to soak up every moment of life, and so much more. She was his north star, and he was a loyal and devoted son for his entire life.
His family stretched far beyond Garland, and they shaped the man that he became. Royse City, TX, and Kansas City, MO, were his homes away from home, where he made countless memories, led his cousins on wild adventures, and learned the trades and hobbies that he carried with him throughout his life. Every member of his extended family eagerly awaited the arrival of the “Garland McLaughlins,” and they were always especially excited to see Matthew.
Matthew was a man of many passions, and he pursued them with the enthusiasm and joy that he brought to everything he did. He was an avid hunter, and he took great pride in sharing the values of patience, determination, and integrity that he learned through that pastime. He loved to fix things, whether it was a carburetor, a hot water heater, or a door that wouldn’t quite shut. He never finished the job quickly, but as he would say, that’s because he just wanted it to be perfect. He may well have been the greatest karaoke performer of all time. Whether it was on stage at Bleachers or roaming around the house at all hours of the day, he always had a song in his heart that he wanted to share with the world. He was also an amazing country dancer, a skill he learned from his mother, and one that they shared for his entire life.
Matthew was deeply funny, so much so that it was hard for most people to keep up. His quick wit, impeccable timing, and larger-than-life personality made him the funniest person in the room wherever he went. He could go into character at the drop of a hat, whether it was an impression or one of the countless ridiculous voices he concocted on his own. He always found a way to surprise you. He was the type of person it is impossible to forget, and the laughter and joy he brought to people will be one of his many lasting legacies.
Matthew was a friend to all that he met, and he made the workplace brighter all throughout his career. So many former coworkers will say that he was the heart of any team he was on. He was professional and hardworking, but he also brought spontaneity and levity that are seldom seen in a professional setting. The same can be said about his role in the Texas State Guard, which he joined in order to more directly serve the community that he cared so much about. He also served as a leader in the YMCA Indian Guides organization. As the “Medicine Man,” he entertained countless children with elaborate songs and pyrotechnic shows, leaving a lasting impact on everyone in that organization. His love of entertaining children extended to his starring role as Santa Claus. A tradition that began with his children, it spread to family, friends, and the entire Spring Park neighborhood, where he brought the joy of Christmas to so many kids throughout the years.
Matthew was blessed to meet his wife Jenny at the young age of fifteen, when they shared a World History class at Berkner High School. They began dating at seventeen and spent forty beautiful years together. Their marriage of thirty-five years was built on respect and admiration for each other, and their devotion, loyalty and mutual support were evident to everyone they met. They lifted each other up and complemented each other in all the right ways. Whether they were exploring the world or sitting on the couch watching a good chick-flick, their life together was filled with laughter and fun. Matthew and Jenny loved each other with their whole being, and that love will endure for eternity.
Matthew raised two sons, Jacob and Matthew Jr. They were the lights of his life. He was an incredible father, sharing his love of life through expeditions in the outdoors and trips across the country, and he made even the most mundane task into an adventure. He instilled in them confidence, responsibility, and his undeniable sense of humor. Through his relationship with Jenny, he gave them a model for how to truly love their spouses, and to be unified in marriage. Perhaps the greatest gift he gave to them was the knowledge that he loved them, that he was proud of them, and that he was incredibly grateful and blessed to have them as his sons. He never let them forget that, and they will carry that gift with them as they build and grow their families.
He was also a beloved Poppa to his grandchildren, Russell and Frances. His youthful exuberance and boundless energy made for the perfect grandfather, and he took great pride in his new role. He was so excited to teach them all that he knew, and those lessons will be passed down through his enduring spirit.
Matthew was a truly special person. He was generous, always willing to lend a helping hand, an ear to listen, or a shoulder to lean on, regardless of the circumstances. He was constantly reminding us of the beauty of life, making sure we always stopped to admire something as simple as a Texas sunset. He was a dreamer, forever the optimist, and he was always looking for his next big adventure. He LIVED LIFE. He always said “Tempus fugit”, time flies, and he took full advantage of every moment he had.
Matthew never let his family forget how much he cared about them, and how grateful he was to have them. He left nothing unsaid, no questions unanswered, and no doubts about his feelings toward those that he loved. He loved deeply, fully, and proudly. He was the rock of the McLaughlin family, and his presence will be profoundly missed. We will honor his legacy by living like he did: with generosity, passion, and an unbridled joy for life.
Matthew was preceded in death by his father, David McLaughlin, and his brother, David Browning.
He is survived by his beloved wife, Jenny; his sons, Jacob and his wife, Katie, and Matthew Jr. and his wife Arantxa; his grandchildren, Russell and Frances, with a third grandchild Charlotte on the way; his mother, Rosalyn; his brothers, David Henry, Ryan, Bart, and John; his sisters, Melinda, Melissa, and Lou Ann; and many cherished aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A celebration of Matthew’s life will be held on Thursday, October 22, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. at First United Methodist Church Richardson in Richardson, Texas. A reception will follow at the Spring Park Clubhouse, 3330 Springpark Way, Garland, Texas. All are welcome.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the family’s GoFundMe.