Mr. Matthew Joseph Francis, Sr.
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Matthew Joseph Francis, Sr., "ChaChi" as family and friends fondly called him, passed away peacefully at home on Saturday, January 16, 2021, at age 93. Matthew was a U.S. Army veteran, a retiree of Mobil Oil Refinery, and a faithful parishioner of Saint Anthony Cathedral Basilica for over 50 years mentoring the altar servers and was the oldest acolyte (age 84) at the Cathedral to serve the clergy. He volunteered with the Red Cross and in the Jefferson County Dispute Resolution Center for over 25 years. He was also a member of several catholic fraternal organizations. His remarkable life can best be described as a quiet trailblazer from afar, but at his heart, an educator, mentor, and servant leader who embodied gratefulness and left a lasting impression of kindness and loving wisdom with everyone he encountered. He will be deeply missed and forever remembered. Matthew was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Belle, siblings: P.J. Francis, Wilfred Francis, Jr., Philomena Simon, Louanna Nixon, Julia Minix, and grandson, Harold J. Smith. Those left to celebrate his memory are his children: Edith Francis, Matthew Joseph Francis, Jr. (Helen), and Deborah Francis; six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren; his brother John (Rose) Francis of Keller, TX; and sister-in-law Azzie Francis of Modesto, CA. and a host of relatives, friends and the Tyrrell Park community. On Friday, January 22, 2021, there will be a visitation from 5 p.m. -7 p.m. at Comeaux Community Funeral Chapel. The Mass of Christian Burial will be on Saturday, January 23, 2021, at 1 p.m. at St. Anthony Cathedral Basilica, 700 Jefferson St in Beaumont. He will be entombed at Live Oak Memorial Park. www.comeauxchapel.com