Dana Al Matte

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of Dana Al Matte, born on July 28, 1950, in Kinder, Louisiana. Dana departed this world on January 31, 2026, in the comfort of his home leaving behind a legacy of love, warmth, and cherished memories.

Dana was a graduate of Lacassine High School Class of '69. After high school Dana was drafted to the military and he proudly served in the Vietnam War as a Specialist 4 in the 101st Airborne Division of the US Army where he received a Bronze Star for his contributions.

Upon returning from the war, he opened Dana Matte Welding. A business he operated for 40 years. Dana's creativity fueled him to create many pieces of equipment used by farmers, ranchers, hunters, and businesses of all sorts. As his children grew older, he spent many hours teaching youth in the area to weld and work with their hands. Dana loved to hunt, fish, be outdoors and take part in his grandchildren's activities.

Dana is survived by his wife of 55 years Diana Lynn Duplantis Matte; his little dog Luna, his three children Tina Guidry (Earl), Bryan Matte (Rhonda), Angie Theunissen (Ryan) and his in-law children Richard (Kristi) Howard and Laurie Matte. His heart expanded with love for his grandchildren: Kathryn Gibson, Keith (Lannie) Matte, Madalyn (Cole) Howard-Mensch, Chloe Theunisen, Jonathon (Morgan) Rougeau, Kayla (Jack) Chandler, along with his great-grandchildren, Ruari Gibson, Molly Rougeau, Halston Rougeau, and Heath Rougeau. Sisters and brother-in-law, Delores and Red Fontenot, Joan Matte, and Susan Duplantis. His family will forever hold his memory in their hearts.

Dana was preceded in death by his father Etienne Motte; brothers Roger and David Matte; parent-in-laws, Joseph "Paul" and Mary Duplantis; brother-in-law, Donald Duplantis; and his granddaughter, Faith Guidry,

Visitation will take place on Thursday, February 5, 2026, starting at 4:00 PM at Johnson Funeral Home of Iowa allowing friends and family to pay their respects and celebrate Dana's life. The Cursillo Rosary will be recited at 6:00 PM. Visitation will resume on Friday, February 6, 2026, at 9:00 AM, followed by a funeral service at 2:00 PM. Dana will be laid to rest at Ardoin Cove Cemetery in Welsh, Louisiana.

Pallbearers assisting in his service will be Red Fontenot, Keith Matte, Cole Mensch, Michael Paul Benoit, David Matte, Russell Daigle, Barrett LeBlanc, Dennis Ardoin and Gabe Ardoin. Serving as honorary pallbearers are Richard Howard, Jason Benoit, Dillion Benoit, Ronald Lopez, Jack Chandler, and Jonathan Rougeau.

The family would like to extend our most sincere gratitude towards Dr. Carisa Torres-Vazquez, MD, Dr. Brian Wilder, MD and staff, Gayle Clark and Ashley Keys with All Ways Home Health, and Tracie Klump and Kim Henney of Heart of Hospice.

As we gather to honor Dana Matte, we invite all who knew him to join in remembrance and reflection, celebrating a remarkable man whose spirit will continue to inspire those whose lives he touched.

May his soul rest in peace and may the perpetual light shine upon him.