Matthew Scott Mickel

Matthew Scott Mickel, 34, died unexpectedly September 2, 2018, at his home in Lafayette. Born in Monroe on June 9, 1984, Matt spent his early years in Monroe, until the family moved to Lafayette, where he attended Westminster Christian Academy, learning to “take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”
At Westminster, Matt excelled in sports, primarily football. He was such an excellent athlete that the coaches would rotate him in multiple positions depending on the game strategy. He graduated from Westminster Christian Academy in May of 2002.
Matt participated in the Emerging Scholars program at ULM and graduated with honors from the University of Louisiana Lafayette with a BA in Liberal Arts. He subsequently moved to Bangkok, Thailand, to teach English at Thammasat University where he was very popular among the students and international business people who would pack his classes.
In Thailand, Matt participated in various sports, including scuba diving. He became a student of various martial arts, especially Jiu Jitsu. Matt’s skill was legendary, and the lines were long as others aspired to test their skills against him, only to go down in defeat against the fearless American competitor. A serious leg injury resulting in extensive surgery and recovery ended his competing days, but Matt’s boxing legend lives on in Bangkok.
When he returned to Lafayette, Matt funneled his athleticism into competitive disc golf. He was an active member of the Official Acadiana Disc Golf Association. He was employed by Gleason's Custom Woodworking in Lafayette.
Everyone loved Matt. He had an infectious smile and spread joy wherever he went. He had a reputation of being kind-hearted and good, and he was always willing to help wherever he was needed. Matt truly cared for and loved others, and we are all better human beings for having known him.
Matt loved to hunt and fish. His favorite bible verse was from Matthew Chapter 4: “Come follow me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.” Matt professed faith in Jesus Christ and was a member of First Presbyterian Church in Lafayette.
He was predeceased by his paternal grandparents, Ruth and T. Mickel of Monroe; maternal grandparents, Carter and Doris Nickens of Pumpkin Center. Matt is survived by his father, Joseph T. Mickel of Lafayette; his mother, Carlene “Charlie” Gleason and husband, Christopher of Carencro; brothers, Thomas J. Mickel of Lafayette, and Leo W. Persick and wife, Skylar of Baton Rouge. Matt’s large extended family includes many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends who will miss him tremendously, but we are comforted by knowing that Matt is with Christ.
Visitation is scheduled for Friday, September 7, at 9:30 am at Covenant Presbyterian Church, 1901 Milton St., Monroe with service beginning at 11:00 am. The Rev. John Mabray and Dr. Bruce K. Austin will officiate. Interment will follow in Riverview Cemetery.

Matthew 4:19
And Jesus said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.

Online Registry/Condolences:www.mulhearnfuneralhome.com