Matthew Reed Jones

Phoenix, AZ: Matthew "Matt" Reed Jones, 43, passed away at his home on April 17th, 2023, in Phoenix, Arizona. Matt was born on January 9th, 1980 in Weslaco, Texas to Hal Samuel Jones and Hilma “Missy” Elise-Marie (Reed) Jones, who he loved dearly.

Growing up in Corpus Christi, Texas, Matt was a typical big brother to his beloved sister Amie, whom he adored. He took his job as a big brother seriously, always looking out for her and teasing her in equal measure. But beneath the teasing was a fierce love and loyalty that knew no bounds. Matt's love for his family was infinite.

 He had many friends throughout his years at school and loved playing basketball during his time in High School. He graduated in 1998 from Richard King High School in Corpus Christi, shortly after the passing of their mother. Matt continued his education at the University of Texas, San Antonio. During Matt's tenure at UTSA, he was an asset to their intramural basketball team where he undoubtedly took his bragging rights seriously. Matt was also a Sigma Phi Epsilon (SigEp) brother and was the Alpha Row Pledge Class for Texas Sigma at UTSA where he became the VP of Brother Development. 

Matt was a history buff, so he earned a Bachelor of History degree. His favorite history topic was about the life and presidency of JFK. Soon after graduating from UTSA, Matthew went to work for USAA Insurance Company. Over the next nine-plus years, Matt worked his way up the ranks in his career and adopted a stray tomcat who he named  Emmitt after his favorite Cowboy. Always up for a challenge, Matt and Emmitt moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 2016 where USAA needed him. Matt was dedicated to his work and found a home away from home at USAA where he spent over sixteen years. His colleagues were like family to him, and he cherished the relationships he formed there. He had a gift for making people feel seen and valued, even if he couldn't always see that in himself. Matthew's ability to connect with others was evident in his work.

Matt loved sports: the Dallas Cowboys and Arizona Cardinals. He loved to send handwritten notes and small gifts to those who he was thinking about. In addition, he had an infectious sense of humor, loved to dance, and had a compassionate personality. This showed through his dedication to the Humane Society, Habitat for Humanity, and Adopt-a-street. 

His friends, family, and colleagues have described him as caring, genuine, one-of-a-kind, people focused, a leader, delightful, funny, cool, an amazing human, inspiring, a mentor, impactful, and a wonderful person. Matt's legacy will live on through the memories of those who knew and loved him. Matt's impact on those around him was immeasurable, and he will be deeply missed by his family, his friends, his cat, and his colleagues at USAA. Rest in peace, Matt. You were a gift to this world, and we are grateful for every moment we had with you.

Matt is preceded in death by his mom, Hilma “Missy” Elise-Marie Reed Jones, paternal grandparents Harold and Liz Jones, maternal grandparents Le Roy Wade Jr. and Valda Reed, and his beloved tomcat Emmitt. 

He is survived by his parents, Hal and Candis Jones; siblings, Amie Marie Jones Ibarra (Jorge), Kelley Rae Stence, Amy Lee Gonzalez (Nick), Denise Rene Chapa (Sam), Douglas Allen Stence, Sarah Lynn Molina (Markus), nieces and nephews, Kay and Olive Ibarra, Trey Flores, Malcolm and Agnes Gonzalez, Jamey Hinojosa, Grant, Adilynn, and Lane Stence, and his loving cat Clemmons Jones.

Visitation will be May 20th, 2023, at 11am at Forest Park Lawndale in Houston. There will be a memorial service at noon,  followed by a graveside service where his ashes will be buried alongside his late mother.