Mathew Charles Smith

Mathew Smith passed from this world on Tuesday, April 25, 2023, in Omaha the same way he entered it - with a little pot belly, a grin on his face, happy to be surrounded by those he loved.  Mat lost his two and ½ year battle with cancer this week, a battle he fought with bravery, dignity, and selflessness.  He faced his death and his mortality, as he did life, head-on, stubborn-as-a-mule, always thinking of others.

Mat was born November 12, 1968, in Omaha, NE, the son of Samuel and Carolyn Smith.  He was the start of the younger ‘second litter’ of the blended Smith family as his five older siblings would often refer to them.  Mat attended St. Pius/St. Leo Grade School (Class of1983), Creighton Prep High School (Class of 1987), and graduated from the University of Nebraska - Omaha, where he received his Bachelor of Arts in Psychology.

Mat started his career with Ford Credit, and later moved on to be a ‘lifer’ at CSG International in Omaha as a Technical Support Analyst Lead.  He was a successful and beloved community leader and business manager.  He was a devoted son, brother, and friend, as well as an outdoorsman, a volunteer, a coach, and a talented athlete.  He took special pride and fulfillment in mentoring and being involved with his nieces, nephews, neighborhood children and community youth. 

Mat enjoyed the simple things in life and living his life in the same manner.  He was a loving and honest person, and usually had a ornery stubborn streak about him.  He was a life-long bachelor with a soft spot and genuine love for his beloved canine companions Darby and Molly.  His favorite activities included Smith family vacations, Creighton basketball games, Canadian fishing trips, Milford pheasant hunts, a little golf (or an awkward activity resembling it), and outings to KC Chiefs games.  He was quick with a sarcastic joke, but even quicker in extending a helping hand.  He led a full life with a loving personality that touched so many, always displaying an incredible ability to brighten the lives of those around him.

Mat was preceded in death by his mother Carolyn Smith (Rock), and later, stepmother Patricia Smith (Maji). Those left to cherish his memory include his father, Samuel Smith of Elkhorn, NE; and siblings: Linda Carlsen (Al) of Storm Lake, IA; Laura Young of Orange Park, FL, Debra Portz (Mark) of Lincoln, NE, Christopher Smith (Adelina) of King George, VA, Richard Smith (Sharon) of Chicago, IL, and Dawn Young (Rob) of Urbandale, IA; along with numerous nieces and nephews including Greg Carlsen, Kevin Carlsen, Elizabeth Harling, Sara Wrye Duncan, Katy Wrye, Nathan Portz, Krystalynn Orndorff, Joshua Smith, Jeremy Smith, Sam Young and Ben Young, along with several great-nieces and nephews and other extended family and friends.

Mat provided countless lifelong memories for his family, friends, co-workers, and anyone fortunate to have had the pleasure of his friendship and camaraderie.  He was blessed with the gifts of selflessness, generosity, and life’s vigor, spending his lifetime paying it forward. Everyone he met and loved were lucky to have him touch their lives.  

Please join us to celebrate Mat’s life, share a story, or just reflect on his amazing impact on those who knew him. 

Visitation

Friday, April 28^th, 2023

5:00-7:00 PM Visitation

7:00 PM Rosary Service

Roeder Mortuary

2727 N 108^th St, Omaha, NE

Mass of Christian Burial

Saturday, April 29, 2023

10:00 AM

St. Leo’s Catholic Church

1920 N 102nd St, Omaha, NE

Internment at Resurrection Cemetery and luncheon at the church to follow mass.

In lieu of flowers, Mat encouraged all to continue his legacy and pay it forward. With this in mind, donations in his name and honor are encouraged to be made to his grade school alma mater for youth education at St. Pius/ St. Leo’s School’s Education Endowment (Omaha) at https://spsl.net/make-a-donation-to-spsl/ OR to the GIST Cancer Research Fund at https://gistinfo.org/, the organization that supports the pioneering work for GIST, particularly at the Oregon Health Sciences University Cancer Institute that his primary oncologist, Dr. James Schwarz, often sought counsel from.