Matthew Syler

.Matt Syler, beloved father, grandfather, and great grandfather passed from this world into eternal life on Saturday, November 9, 2013. Matt was 86 years old. Born to Monnie Lou Glimp Syler and Hubert Syler on January 27, 1927, Matt was raised primarily in Buda and Chimney Springs, Texas and the surrounding areas before joining the United States Navy where he became a Corpsman near the end of World War II. He received the American Theatre Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Sharpshooter Tag. Afterwards Matt pursued his dream of working on a ranch in Wyoming. While sending money home to his mother and younger siblings, he worked at the Stephenson Ranch in Tie Siding, Wyoming. It was at this ranch that Matt learned a lesson he said he would never forget – “how to tell what a cow was about to do” – a lesson he used for the remainder of his life. When he returned home to Texas, he began his studies at Texas A&M University earning his degree in 1951. He was a member of the Texas A&M Rodeo Team and competed at the Cow Palace in San Francisco in 1950. During the summers at A&M, Matt worked at the Lazy H Ranch near Kerrville, Texas. It was during this time that he met Gloria Ann Reeves who would become his bride in 1950. He also met Herman and LeNan Gardner and struck up a friendship and dreams of starting a ranch together. After graduating from Texas A&M, Matt and Ann moved to Burton, Texas and joined Herman and LeNan in the development of Willow Springs Ranch. The ranch started with 645 acres of old row-crop farm land but eventually grew to a world famous ranch of 2400 acres that was home to many of the finest and most sought after Brangus cattle in the nation. It was at Willow Springs that Matt was able to live out his passion of working with cattle and growing coastal Bermuda grass while making a name for himself as an honest, trustworthy, and knowledgeable cattleman. After 21 years at Willow Springs, Matt and Ann left there to start Syler Sales Management in 1971. They built their new home on 88 acres nearby and began their business journey together that would span another 25 years. The sales management business allowed Matt and Ann to stay connected to the cattle people they had grown to love over the years and to be able to travel extensively.
Matt was honored during his lifetime with many awards. Matt received multiple honors from his Brangus Breeders family but the highest honors were his 2000 Brangus Breeder of the Year and 2009 Pioneer Brangus Breeder Awards. He was the Secretary of the Brangus Breeders Association for eight years and a two time director of the International Brangus Breeders Association. He was the first person in Washington County to grow Coastal Bermuda grass – a matter of great pride. Matt volunteered at the Brenham Memorial Hospital, as a volunteer reader for a Brenham Elementary School, Bread Partner volunteer for years distributing bread to the needy of Washington County. He was also proud of his title, “Tale Twister,” for the Lions Club of Burton. In addition he was an original member of both the Beef Cattle Short Course and Washington County Wildlife Society. He was also involved in the Walk to Emmaus Group for many years ministering to countless others about his personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
Matt’s biggest accomplishment was his family. During the last months of his life, Matt repeated several times that he was not afraid to die. He knew he had a home in Heaven and would see so many of those he loved that went before him. He didn’t want to die, however, because “he didn’t want to leave his amazing family”. Matt and Ann had four children: Lee Bentley, Jeb Stuart, Melanie Ann, and Darla Ann. Both Ann and Bentley preceded Matt in death as did his much loved sister, Peggy, and brothers Scott and Jim. Jeb and his wife Alma live in Richmond, Virginia, Melanie and her husband Tim live in McKinney, Texas, Darla and her husband Candido live in Richmond, Texas. Matt’s grandchildren are Tanya Syler Thomas (husband Jarred and children Taylor, Jace, and Adrianna), Matthew Syler III (sons Daylon and Payne), Cori Willett, Chase Willett, Bentley Syler II, Chris Syler (wife Claudia and son Lucas), Kevin Syler, Ana Maria Syler, Lindsie Gibson (husband Mitch and twin sons Connor and Colton), Jamie Pagan (daughters Haylie, Maykayla, Heather, and Allysa) and Chelsie Pagan, and one great-great granddaughter Maya. Other family members include Martha Syler of Athens, Silvia Syler of Bolivia and Dilia Syler of Houston. In addition the extended family includes the Cerda Family who have been an important part of the Syler family since 1957 – Maria, Maggie, Elva, Cerjio, and Abel.
By his family, he will be remembered as their forever hero. He was always in their “corner,” thinking the best of each one of them. He lived before them in a manner that made them all so proud and created in each one of them a desire to honor and please him. His fighting spirit allowed him to continue to live a full life even in the mist of many obstacles. Even though he is gone from us, his legacy will live on in our hearts and our minds each day. He will continue to encourage and spur us onward with his wisdom, his whit, and the beautiful memories we have of him. He simply was, in our eyes, the best man ever. He will be deeply missed.

Thanks to: Helen Phillips – Phillips Veterinary for taking care of Molly.

Brenham Fitness – for providing a place for his friends and him to exercise and visit.

First Baptist Church – for the years of fellowship and ministry provide.

Jose Cruz – for taking such great care of not only Matt, but his place.

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m., Tuesday, November 12, 2013 in Brenham Memorial Chapel.
Funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, November 13, 2013 in Brenham’s First Baptist Church with Rev. Troy Sikes officiating.
Interment will follow at 3:00p.m. in the Val Verde Baptist Cemetery in Milam County.
The family has asked that memorials be given to; The Wounded Warrior Fund or Washington County Wildlife Society.
Services are in the care of Brenham Memorial Chapel, 2300 Stringer St., Brenham, TX 77833. 979.836.3611. Condolences may be sent online to the family at www.brenham-memorial-chapel.com.