Matt Shrake Obituary, Death – The passing of their brother, Matt Shrake ’22, has left the members of Pike’s Beta Mu Chapter with a profound sense of sorrow. On Monday, the 30th of January 2023, Matthew “Matt” Garrett Shrake, who was a member of the Pi Kappa Alpha fraternity and belonged to the Beta Mu Chapter, passed away. He was only 20 years old when he passed away. The men of Pike’s Beta Mu Chapter, alumni, families, and all of those whose lives Matt impacted are mourning his death and extending sympathies to the Shrake family.
Also included in this group are individuals whose lives Matt touched at Pike. “It is with the utmost sadness that we must inform you of the demise of a well-loved brother of the Beta Mu Chapter of Pi Kappa Alpha. On January 30, 2023, Matthew Garrett Shrake, class of ’22, made his transition into Chapter Eternal. During this trying time, we ask that you remember his family in your prayers and keep them in your thoughts.
Matt, who had only recently been inducted into the fraternity, exemplified each of the four attributes that are necessary to be considered a PIKE. Students at the University of Texas at Austin recognized him to be a scholar, a leader, an athlete, and a gentleman. He was also known to be one of the best athletes at the school. In addition to it, he was well-known for his athleticism. It was well known that whenever Matt entered a room, the atmosphere was instantly lifted by his infectious smile and laughter, both of which he carried with him at all times.
During the time that Matt spent as a member of the New Member Class in the Autumn of 2022, he made a lasting effect on the entirety of the fraternity. When Matt was not on school, it was not uncommon to find him either on the basketball court at PIKE, playing poker in the lounge, or simply hanging out with his pledge brothers. At his previous location, 2400 Leon Street, he will be profoundly missed, and his absence will be felt there for all time. His legacy will live on at that address.
There will be one Memorial Service held in Houston, and another one will be held in Austin, both in Matt’s honor. On February 13 at 5:30 p.m., a university-wide candlelight vigil ceremony to honor and celebrate Matt will be conducted on the Main Mall beneath the University of Texas Tower. This event will take place on the Main Mall. Everyone from the UT community, including students, family members, and friends, is encouraged to join, and you will have the chance to say a few words if you are moved to do so.
The funeral for Matt will be placed in his hometown on February 16 at three o’clock in the afternoon at the John Wesley United Methodist Church, which is located at 5830 Bermuda Dunes Drive in Houston. We ask that you stand with us during these services to show your support for the Shrake family and to honor Matt’s memory.