Roll Call Tribute

Matthew David Elmer 

May 9, 2000 - December 22, 2024 

Matthew David Elmer was born on May 9, 2000, in San Antonio, Texas, to Drs. Edward and Laura Elmer. He left us far too soon on December 22, 2024, in College Station, Texas.

Matthew was raised in Pleasanton, where his warmth and intelligence shone brightly. He graduated as valedictorian of his class at Pleasanton High School. Matthew was the captain of the PHS varsity tennis and soccer teams, drumline section leader, BPA state champion on the Economics Research Team, and vice president of the National Honor Society. His generosity and compassion were evident through his volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity, the Special Olympics, and Miracle League baseball.

Matthew attended Texas A&M University as a Brown Foundation Scholar, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science in aerospace engineering and a minor in computer science. As a second-year Master of Science student in the Prometheus Lab at A&M, he worked on the simulation and visualization of uncertain systems. His research professor described Matthew as “an amazing student, a wonderful researcher, and an exceptional member of the lab.”

Born fifth of the six Elmer children, Matthew had no trouble blazing his own trail. He was always quick with a joke, ready to lend a helping hand, and he deeply loved his family and friends. He was a fierce protector of his younger brother, Marshall, and cherished the time they shared playing baseball together. Before Marshall was born, Matthew had already embraced the role of big brother with pride, promising to one day teach his little brother how to ride a bike. Matthew kept that promise.

Matthew will be remembered for his beautiful smile, adventurous spirit, curiosity about the universe, passion for space, and deep love for his friends and family. He enjoyed spending his free time fixing up his car, making music with his friends, playing video games with his big brothers, and trying out new recipes.

Matthew was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, William and Cathleen Elmer, and his cousin, Kimber Alexis Goldy. He is dearly missed by his parents, Edward and Laura Elmer; his maternal grandparents, Charles and Judy Goldy; his siblings, Michael “Duffy” (wife, Caroline), Katie (husband, Stephen), Mark (fiancée, Madeleine), Sarah, and Marshall; his nieces and nephew; as well as many beloved aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends.

A Celebration of Life service will be held for Matthew at First Baptist Church, Pleasanton, TX on Saturday, January 11, 2025, at 11 am.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you consider a donation to Miracle League of San Antonio (attn: Michael Miller, 926 Chulie, San Antonio, TX 78216).

If you or anyone you know is struggling, please know that help is available 24/7. Visit 988lifeline.org or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988.