Matthew Douglas Garrett
Matthew Douglas Garrett, affectionately known as Matt or Mr. G., passed away on November 15, 2023, at the age of 48 in Rogers, Arkansas. He was born on March 18,1975, in Ruston, Louisiana, the son of Donald and Patricia O’Gorman Garrett.
Matt taught Science to sixth graders at Oakdale Middle School in Rogers, Arkansas. He was a veteran of the United States Marine Corps, serving active duty for two years and reserve duty for four years. He graduated from the University of Louisiana at Monroe with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and earned a Master of Science in Education, Curriculum, and Instruction from Arkansas State University.
Matt was a kind, caring, and selfless person, always putting the needs of others before his own. He dedicated his professional life to education, in which he served as an elementary and middle school teacher in Louisiana and Arkansas for twenty- three years. As an educator and a mentor, Matt created a legacy that transformed the lives of thousands of students.
Matt inspired his students to investigate the mysteries of the universe and ignited their curiosity for exploring science. Some of Matt’s greatest joys included nurturing his students’ dreams and encouraging them to live life to the fullest.
During his career in education, Matt was awarded with the highest honors for a teacher in Arkansas, which included 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for Old Wire Road Elementary, 2011-2012 Teacher of the Year for Rogers Public Schools District, and 2011-2012 Runner-up Teacher of the Year for the State of Arkansas.
Matt will be remembered as an incredible teacher, a loving husband, a caring son and brother, a nurturing uncle, and a wonderful friend. Matt’s passions outside his career included traveling and gardening with his wife, being an accomplished guitarist, creating music, and spending time with his family and friends.
Matt is survived by Jenny, his loving wife of seventeen years, and their beloved cats. He is also survived by his parents: Donald and Patricia Garrett; his siblings: Erin Garrett Harp, Jonathan Garrett, and Julie Garrett Keen; his brother-in-law: Paul Harp; his sister-in-law: Brandy Garrett; and his niece and nephews, who loved their Uncle Matt. Additionally, Matt leaves behind extended family members, friends, and students, who will forever cherish the experiences they shared.
His memory will forever remind us to live boldly and hold dear our loved ones and the moments that matter. He will be deeply missed but will remain in our hearts forever.
A Celebration of Life Ceremony for Matt will be held on Saturday, December 9, 2023, at the Nelson-Berna Funeral Home of Rogers (Address: 100 S 28th St. Rogers, AR 72758). Visitation will start at 10:00 a.m., and the Ceremony will begin at 11:00 a.m.
A Memorial website has been created to allow students, friends, and family to share memories and condolences. Please visit https://www.Scie nceIsCool.memorial an d share the link with others.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mew Cat Rescue (https://www.mewcatrescue. com/) or Spay Arkansas (https://spayarkansas. org/).