Matt was born in Indianapolis, IN, on August 11, 1982, son to Donna and Timothy Cranston. He was the second of three sons. Matt spent his youth primarily in Rolling Meadows and Palatine, Illinois and Coppell, Texas. Matt graduated from Coppell High School, class of 2000. Matt joined the Army shortly after 9/11 and attended Basic Combat Training and Advanced Individual Training at Fort Sill, OK where he trained as a Fire Support Specialist. Upon completion of his training, Matt was assigned to 1-7 Field Artillery Battalion, based in Schweinfurt, Germany. In February of 2004 Matt deployed to Iraq in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, earning the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal (GWOTEM) and the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal (GWOTSM), and Combat Action Badge.
Following his time in the Army, Matt attended University of Texas – Austin, earning a Bachelor of Science in Sport Management. Matt would work in finance for the next few years, before joining his brothers on the West Coast as a horticulturist. In 2022, Matt made the decision to move back to Texas and lived in Granbury, until he passed. Matt was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed hunting, fishing, swimming, boating, and working with his hands. Matt loved spending time with children and dogs and has several “adopted” children all over the world.
Matt is survived by his parents, Tim and Donna Cranston of Corinth, TX; His brother, Peter and wife Nancy, of Pleasanton, CA; brother, Jonathan of Medford, OR; nephew Luke; and several aunts, uncles, cousins, and beloved friends.
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