Thomas Matthew "Matt" Ackel

Thomas Matthew "Matt" Ackel, 73, passed away on Tuesday, November 30th, 2021, at his home with his family by his side, after a long illness of Alzheimers.

He was born in Natchitoches, LA, on October 14, 1948. His family relocated to Lake Charles when he was 4 years old. He was a graduate of LaGrange High School and McNeese State University.

While in high school and college he worked at the A&P Grocery Store. After college, he worked as a wireline operator for Otis Engineering and later as a mud engineer for Baroid. Then he began a long, successful career with Mobil Oil, later as ExxonMobil.

He and his family relocated to Morgan City in 1985 where he worked both in the Mobil Office and offshore. During his tenure with Mobil he also worked as Logistics Coordinator for the Gulf from Cameron to Mobile. He retired in 2008 as a Production Supervisor.

He served for 10 years as a Commissioner with the Port of Morgan City; and he was a member of API.

Family was his pride. His heart belonged to his wife and two beautiful daughters. Later, his grandkids became the light of his life.

From the oil field and beyond, Matt was happiest when he was helping others in whatever way he could. His genuine love of people won him a vast number of friends. He could always be seen with his signature cigar at the side of his mouth while laughing and talking with friends.

He was an avid duck hunter at the camp on Deer Island Bayou. He loved classic cars and was especially proud of his 1967 Corvette.

He is survived by his wife of 43 years, Jacki Bland Ackel; his daughters: Kristi and her husband Joshua Thronburg, of Wylie, Texas; Samantha and her husband Joey Munn of Hattiesburg, MS; grandchildren Kate and Avery Thronburg; and Zelma and Maximus Munn; sister-in-law Debbie Bland Fontenot of Lafayette; sister, Martha Ackel of Hahnville, LA; sister Mary and her husband Buddy Bouquet of Houston, TX; cousin, Eleanor and her husband Corbin Cooke of Houston, TX; and one he considered as his son, Christopher Childers.

He is preceded in death by his father, Sam Ackel and his mother, Vera Atkins Ackel.

Visitation and Funeral services will be held at Twin City Funeral Home on Friday, December 3, 2021. Visitation from 10AM until the time of services at 2PM. Reverend Steve Kelly and Reverend Charles Gilder will officiate. Burial will be at the Berwick Cemetery.

The family would like to extend sincere thanks to Heart of Hospice, especially Stephanie, Bonnie and Neacy. Heartfelt appreciation also goes to caregivers: Danyelle and Raquel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Alzheimer's Association.