Matthew Glenn Carey was born March 29, 1925 in Rapid City, South Dakota. The third of four children born to Mathew George and Ellen (O'Kane) Carey and passed away May 10, 2024 at the age of 99.

Matt spent his early years in Murdo. S.D., a place he always said was dirty and ugly, but he loved it.  Sports were a very important part of his life and he had great friends.  The family later moved back to Rapid City where Matt attended Cathedral High School.  After graduating in 1943, Matt joined the Navy where he was selected for the Navy's V-12 College Program and was sent to Notre Dame.  After three semesters at N.D., he was sent to Midshipman School and graduated as an Ensign.  He was then sent to serve on the USS Oahu, a large repair ship stationed in Enewetak Atoll in the Marshall Islands and served as a division officer and Assistant Navigator.  He always said it was a life-changing experience.  Matt returned to the states and was released from active duty in August 1946. He remained in the Naval Reserve and retired as Lt. Commander.

Matt then returned to Notre Dame to complete his junior year and from there attended the University of South Dakota where he received his bachelor's and master's degrees. He then spent two years as a science teacher in Huron, South Dakota where he married Mary Anderson in 1951 and their first child, Mary Kathleen was born.  Following Huron, Matt enrolled at the University of Wyoming and received his doctoral degree in June 1955.  Their son, Tim, was born in August of that year.  He became the Assistant Dean of Men and in 1958 was promoted to Director of Auxiliary Services Enterprises.  Their daughter, Mary Ellen, was born in 1960. He and Mary later divorced.

In 1963, Matt was hired as the Director of the Compton Union and Student Activities at Washington State University. In addition to serving as Director of the Student Union, he also served as Acting Dean of Students, Assistant Vice Provost, and Director of Housing and Dining Services. He married Lynda Herndon in November 1971 and their daughter, Ashley Lyn, was born in September 1974.

Matt was active in the Pullman community as well.  He served 11 years on the City Council, two terms on the Parks and Recreation Committee, two terms on the Chamber of Commerce Board, one term on the Pullman Regional Hospital Foundation and was a member of the WSU Presidents Associates.  He was also a member of the Lions Club and Good Fellowship Club.  He was especially proud when he and Lynda were honored on the Pullman Walk of Fame.

Matt was preceded in death by his parents, sisters Florence Kruse, Virginia Anderson, brother Robert, and his son, Timothy Matthew.   He is survived by his wife, Lynda; daughters, Kathy (Steve) Robinson, Mary (Gene) Sementi, Ashley (Andrew) Goss; grandsons, Josh (Shelly) Sementi, Justin, Ethan, and Logan Goss; granddaughters Olivia (Rex Anderson) Sementi, Amy (Bo) Scott, Shannon and Melissa Carey; great-grandchildren, Taylor, Jax, Cooper, Cael, Cohen, Hailey, Geneva, Fiona, Lucia, Aspen, Bridget, Booker, Bronc; sister-in-law, Debbie (Herndon) Riggan; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Matt was a loving and devoted husband, a proud and loving grandfather and great grandfather, and a loyal friend to many.   He was an honorable man with strong religious beliefs and a great sense of humor.  His greatest wish for his children, grandchildren and great- grandchildren is for them to always be blessed with happiness, love, and hope for the future.  He was always grateful to have lived in Pullman for over 50 years and happy to have the support of this community, and was a passionate supporter of the Cougs and Notre Dame! Matt lived a long productive and happy life and will be missed by his family and those who knew him. We will feel the pang of loneliness and loss, but let us also celebrate and remember the life of Matthew Carey.  We are so fortunate to have benefited from our relationship with him.

A funeral Mass will be celebrated at 11:00 am, Friday, May 31, 2024, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 440 NE Ash Street – Pullman. Burial will be at the Pullman City Cemetery for family and friends.   A reception will follow at Paradise Creek Restaurant, 245 SE Paradise St., Pullman.  Corbeill Funeral Home, Pullman, WA has been entrusted with arrangements.

The family suggests memorials be made in Matt's name to Pullman Regional Hospital, Friends of Hospice, or Pullman Sacred Heart Catholic Church. Corbeil Funeral Home of Pullman is in charge of arrangements. We would also like to thank Matt's caregiver, Jessie Penman, and Friends of Hospice for their kindness and comforting care during the past few weeks.