Mr. Mathew P. (Mathewkutty) Cheriyan's Obituary
Mr.Mathew P. Cheriyan (Mathewkutty) was born on March 24, 1950 to Late Mr. P.M. Cherian and Mrs.Mariamma Cherian of Poothampurathu, Mallappally. He passed away in Houston, Texas on July 20, 2018. He is survived by his mother; wife Elizabeth Mathew (Sally) of Arrackalullirical, Nilambur; children Smitha Jacob & Anitha Varghese; sons-in-law Jason Jacob & Nishant Varghese; and grandchildren Kaitlyn and Amelia Jacob. He is also survived by his 2 younger brothers and sister and their families.
Mathewkutty completed his grade school in Kerala and started his further education and training in the Indian Armed Forces. He served in the Indian Army’s signal regiment for thirteen years and spent this time in North India. He was also a member of the Indian Army’s national volleyball team.
Mathewkutty and Sally were married on October 30, 1978 at St. Andrews Mar Thoma Church in Mallappally. They were blessed with their first daughter, Smitha, in 1980. Soon after, Sally emigrated to the United States settling in Galveston, TX in 1982. Mathewkutty and Smitha arrived in the United States in 1984. The family started their life in the USA together and was blessed with their second daughter, Anitha, in 1986.
Mathewkutty began employment in Galveston, TX in 1984. After moving to Houston, TX in 1989, he started his career with Baker Hughes in 1990 where he worked, until 2013, as an electronic assembler.
Mathewkutty was known for his commitment to God and his servanthood in church. He served as an Alief-Sugar Land committee member for several years and in various other committee and organization positions. He most recently used his own experiences and spiritual growth to serve in Healing Hearts, an organization formed to visit and pray with the sick or ill. Mathewkutty was known for his hands-on service to the church especially with the Good Friday lunch preparations and yearly Vacation Bible School contributions as a volunteer and mentor.
Mathewkutty had many hobbies including playing volleyball and gardening. He was a member of the Houston Bullets volleyball team from 1989 to 2004 and enjoyed playing in tournaments around Houston and Dallas. He was an avid athlete fond of many sports and was an active Trinity Sports participant. Even when his health limited his physical abilities, he made sure to be present and active as an umpire/coach.
Mathewkutty lived a faithful life led by prayer and his belief in his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ. He was always punctual and prided himself on discipline and living a life that mirrored Christ’s life and ministry. He was selfless, loving beyond measure, and humble in his approach to life. Mathewkutty will be missed dearly by his family and friends but his legacy will continue in the lives of his children.
“I have fought the good fight; I have finished the race; I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me on that day – and not only to me, but also to all who have longed for His appearing.” 2 Timothy 4:7-8
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