Matthew Paul Loyd

Matthew Paul Loyd, 23, of Pampa, passed away on Sunday October 8, 2023 in Amarillo. 

Services will be at 10:00 A.M. Monday, October 16, 2023 at Zion Lutheran Church with Rev. Michael Erickson, pastor, officiating. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery under the direction of Carmichael-Whatley Funeral Directors and Crematory.

Matthew was born August 8, 2000 in Borger, Texas to Ann-Elizabeth Loyd Douglas. He was homeschooled and graduated in 2016. He immediately enrolled at Amarillo College as a music major. After earning his associate degree, he transferred to West Texas A&M University where he was pursuing a bachelor’s degree in music education. He was a member of Zion Lutheran Church of Pampa. 

From the time he was old enough to know the word violin, Matthew knew that is what he wanted to do with his life. He began taking lessons at the age of four from a private individual then began working with the Suzuki Program at Amarillo College from the age of six through graduation. Matthew played with the Amarillo Youth Symphony for multiple years, competed in Greater Southwest Music Competitions, All Region Orchestra, and played with various Suzuki orchestras and ensembles. He then went on to play in the Amarillo College Orchestra and later the WT orchestra. He also traveled to Spain to participate in a music festival there along with other fellow students and teachers. He performed with various quartets and groups occasionally as well. Though his primary instrument was the violin, he became adept at the piano, and could also play the viola, and was experimenting with the banjo and the kalimba. He played the organ at church sometimes and learned the basics of several other instruments as well.

Music was Matthew's great love, but he also enjoyed playing video games, especially The Last of Us Part I and II. Matthew was very technologically adept and enjoyed keeping up with all the latest advancements. He followed politics and loved cars, especially electric ones. He enjoyed spending time with his family and his friends. He loved all animals and other creatures.

Matthew was preceded in death by his great-grandmothers, Grace Rummerfield and Marie Loyd; and his step-great-grandparents, Bill and Ruby Douglas. 

He is survived by his parents, Ann-Elizabeth Douglas and Dustin Douglas of Pampa; two brothers, David Michael Loyd and Jacob Daniel Loyd both of Pampa; grandparents, Paul Loyd and Judith Loyd of Pampa and Kirk Douglas of Prescott, Arizona; aunts and uncles, Mica Ashby and Randy Ashby of Amarillo and Dave Loyd and Gretchen Loyd of Gainesville, Florida; four cousins, Austin Ashby, Abbey Ashby, Miles Loyd, and Wesley Loyd; and numerous other family members and friends. 

Matthew was a fierce brother, a loyal friend, and a cherished son. He was bold, compassionate, and intellectual. He brought laughter, light, and beautiful music into the lives of so many. He will be more than missed.

Memorials may be made to the Amarillo Youth Symphony c/o the Amarillo Symphony, 301 S Polk St #700, Amarillo, Texas 79101, Suzuki Support Fund at the Amarillo College Foundation, PO Box 447, Amarillo, Texas, 79178, or the WTAMU School of Music, WTAMU Box 60766, Canyon, Texas, 79016.