Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Matthew Cornett, 46

Matthew Cornett, 46, of Little Rock, Arkansas, died on Thursday, June 29th, 2017.

He was born at the U.S. Army Hospital in Wurzburg, Germany, on Thursday, October 29th, 1970. Matt always loved the childhood poem which included the line, “Thursday’s Child Has Far To Go” and attributed his curiosity about the world and his love of travel to being a Thursday’s Child. Survivors include his wife and best friend, Sloane Harper, parents, Jack and Becky Cornett, younger brother, Brian Cornett, and grandmother, Milly Temple. He is also survived by many uncles, aunts, cousins, dear friends, and his lifelong soul brothers, Jeb Blanz and Jason Gill.

Matt spent a happy childhood, freely exploring the woods and hills of Leawood and Reservoir Park with the Windy Court Gang, along with other friends and cousins.   In High School, he excelled at Debate, and was invited to attend the Harvard National Invitational Forensics Tournament at Cambridge, Massachusetts.   The friendships he formed in the Pulaski Heights Baptist Church Youth Group during these years were special and the adventures they enjoyed are legend!

While attending UALR to earn his Marketing and Finance Degree, Matt worked at Allouette’s Restaurant, where he developed a passion for the culinary world that never ended. He was always happiest when working at fine dining establishments from coast to coast. Besides Little Rock, this passion took him to Charleston, South Carolina, Kansas City, Missouri, and Portland, Oregon. Each locale afforded his friends and family the opportunity to visit and enjoy some fabulous experiences and make many wonderful memories.   Matt loved to travel, especially off the beaten path, and considered that some of the finest days of his life were those in which he explored Germany, Italy, Ireland, Canada, the Virgin Islands, and the west coast with those he loved.

Matt’s genuine love of people, his zest for life, his big heart for those struggling with difficulties, his affection for animals, and his engaging smile were endearing.

A picnic and visitation honoring Matt’s memory will be held on Saturday, July 8th from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m.at Maumelle Park in pavilion #5. Bring a fun memory or picture to share, or just drop by to visit. Matt would love for everyone to laugh and enjoy a good story!

Memorials may be made to Arkansas Food Bank at arkansasfoodbank.org or Wayside Waifs in Kansas City, Missouri, at waysidewaifs.org

Cremation arrangements have been entrusted to A Natural State Funeral Service, 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas, 72076. 501-982-3400

 

22 Comments

  • Kurt Norden Posted July 5, 2017 7:01 PM

    Thanks for the love and memories, Matt. I’ll meet you on the other side, brother.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:50 AM

      Thanks for your comments, Kurt. That was a nice surprise, because Matt always spoke so fondly of you. That boy loved life, and we are so grateful for all the good years, good friends, and good memories that he had. Thanks for reaching out and our love to you.

  • Ed Staley Posted July 6, 2017 5:07 AM

    Jack and Becky so sorry to hear of your loss. Words can’t describe my hearts feelings. May God bless you and your family at this time.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:45 AM

      Ed, thank you for reaching out. Matt always found so much joy in life and we are so grateful for the more than 40 wonderful years we had with him before he encountered the difficulties. They were absolutely great. Thanks for your words of comfort!

  • Charles Cotten Posted July 6, 2017 8:39 AM

    The family is in our prayer

  • Sylvia Hoover Landers Posted July 6, 2017 8:44 AM

    Becky,
    I am so saddened to hear of the loss of your son. My prayers are with you and your family.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:41 AM

      Sylvia, it was so good to hear from you, and such a nice surprise! Jack and I were over in Mayflower recently and I was trying to remember which was your house as we drove our the highway. My Mom and I were talking about your wedding at Wye Mountain just recently, too! Thank you for reaching out. We had so many good years with Matt and they far outweigh these last few years that have been difficult. Love!

  • Suzann Welty Barr Posted July 6, 2017 11:44 AM

    Matt was a student in one of my summer classes at UALR years ago. I recall his delightful mix of good fun and perfect manners –obviously honed by travels, work, and loving friends and family. My deepest condolences to all Matt’s family and friends. He was one of a kind.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:35 AM

      Suzann, it was such a nice surprise to read your comment! It reminded us of a time in Matt’s life that he enjoyed immensely and always spoke of fondly. He was working at Alouette’s , finishing up his degree, and living in an apartment on Kavanaugh in Hillcrest. For the rest of his life, he talked about how much he enjoyed the classes he took. Thank you for reaching out to us! That really makes my heart happy.

  • Larry Cotten Posted July 6, 2017 12:09 PM

    Cousin Becky, Jack, Brian, and Aunt Milly and all family members, Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We know this is a terrible loss specifically for you an your immediate family but it is also a loss for the entire family as well. Our memories will always be of the wonderful Thanksgivings spent with the family in Wickes and the great times we had there and of Matt and all his cousins enjoying the great family times.. There are many family members in Heaven ready to welcome Matt home. We love you all

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:25 AM

      Thank you, Larry, for such a sweet sentiment. Yes, we and our children have rich memories of childhood days and times together in Wickes and family gatherings elsewhere. And we had 40 fantastic years with Matt, before he became so sick and now we can just focus on those years and be thankful for them. Thanks for reaching out! Love y’all!

  • Pam Amelia Posted July 6, 2017 1:35 PM

    I will always remember Matt’s beautiful smile.

    When someone you love becomes a memory, the memory becomes a treasure. Author Unknown

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:19 AM

      Thank you, Pam, for your comforting words. As my Mom said, we just have to be thankful for the 40 wonderful years we had with Matt before he became sick. Love you!

  • Gaye Joyner Posted July 6, 2017 6:18 PM

    Becky and Jack – Louis and I are so sorry for your loss. You both are in our prayers . Love, Gaye and Louis

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:17 AM

      Gaye, it was such a nice surprise to hear from you! Jack and I both think of you, especially after we run into Sandy and Aaron occasionally. I will try to find you on Facebook and connect with you in that way. I know that your 50th anniversary is coming up and I am in total disbelief about that! Love y’all!

  • Rusty and penny Boulet Posted July 6, 2017 6:49 PM

    So very sorry for your loss

  • Rusty and penny Boulet Posted July 6, 2017 6:49 PM

    So very sorry for your loss

  • Patsy & clyde Henderson Posted July 6, 2017 9:07 PM

    We are so sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts & prayersz

  • MaryBeth Johnson Posted July 7, 2017 12:51 PM

    My memories of Matt go back to his high school days. My daughter is Laurie (Johnson) Miller and she, Matt, and several others “in the group” were all good friends. Our home was always open for their visits. Matt always had a smile, a kind word, or joke to share. He was known for wearing those plaid (madras) shorts no matter what the season. His nickname around our house was “Mattie Pladdie”. He was a bright spot in everyone’s life. I am very thankful to have known him, even for this short time.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:13 AM

      Marybeth, it was such a nice surprise to hear from you and your memories brought such joy! Those were great years for Matt and he was so fond of Laurie, you, and your family. Please give our best to Laurie!

  • Cheryl Gilstrap Posted July 7, 2017 2:18 PM

    My deepest sympathy for your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with your family.

    • Becky Posted July 15, 2017 9:11 AM

      It was so good to see you at Matt’s picnic! I forgot to say congratulations on your marriage to that great guy from Wickes!

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