Carl Matthew Brown Jr.

Carl Matthew Brown Jr., Age 36- Gone Fishing 

Carl Matthew Brown Jr., 36 of Indianapolis, IN clocked out of life far too early—but not before leaving his mark on the world around him. Born with a baseball cap practically stitched to his head and a football in one hand, Matt never met a Sunday he didn’t turn into a celebration of sports, family, and good food. He believed in the healing power of a fishing rod, a quiet morning on the water, and the joy of a players first home run. 

Matt grew up like a lot of kids in the ‘90s: scabbed knees, sunburned shoulders, and a bike that doubled as a race car, spaceship, and getaway vehicle — depending on the game. He was a son to parents who raised a man of grit and quiet generosity. He and his sister were a tag team of chaos and charm, tearing through the neighborhood like it was their personal kingdom. If something mysteriously broke, went missing, or ended up covered in mud, Matt had the same airtight defense: “It wasn’t me.” (It was him. It was always him.) 

Most importantly, a father whose world rerouted the moment he held his son in his arms—a moment he said was better than any win, any catch, any fish. 

Matt’s job titles varied, but his role was always the same: the one who showed up. Need your deck fixed? He was there. Car won’t start? Give Matt a minute and a wrench. Life falling apart? He’d listen—without judgment and usually with a cooler nearby.He didn’t ask for much—just good weather on game day, a few hours by the water, and the chance to make someone else’s day a little easier. If you ever had the privilege of knowing him, you knew a man who didn’t just pass through this life. He showed up for it—and for us.

Matt leaves behind family who loved him fiercely, friends who considered him family, and a son who carries his entire heart. Surviving family, his mother and father, Carl & Melanie Brown, his sister, Kristina King, her husband Will King and their children Keegan & Rowan. His son, Caden Brown and many aunts, uncles and cousins. 

He is proceeded in death by his grandparents Joseph & Loretta Brown, Richard & Verna Holderfield, along with aunts, uncles and cousins gone too soon. 

He didn’t leave instructions for his passing, but if he had, they might’ve read:

• Don’t wear a suit to my funeral. Wear a jersey.

 • Don’t cry too much. It will be okay.

• Teach my son to drive a car for me. 

• And please, for the love of all things holy, don’t ever root for the Broncos. 

Matt didn’t live forever, but he made sure he lived fully. The rest of us are just lucky we got to be on his team. So long, Matt. Save us a spot on the dock.