Trent Amos Van Matre, 92, of Pensacola, FL entered into the presence of his Lord and Savior on Saturday, December 2, 2023.

He was born on March 18, 1931, fearfully and wonderfully made, and was predestined to be an example of pure Christian strength and grace. He was born to George Eldridge Van Matre, Sr., and Marie Louise Van Matre, along with his brother, George Eldridge Van Matre, Jr. They all preceded Trent in death and are celebrating their reunion in heaven.

Trent was a stellar athlete and graduate of Pensacola High School. While a student at PHS, he met the love of his life, Shirley Jean Lynn. After graduation, he enlisted in the US Army and served in Germany. Trent was a member of the US Army basketball team, and for one weekend, was dual enlisted with the US Navy to be a point guard for their basketball team as well. His courtship of Shirley extended throughout his enlistment, and he proposed to her upon his discharge and return home. They were married on April 30, 1954, at East Hill Baptist Church, where Trent served on multiple committees and as deacon for the majority of his life. Trent and Shirley made a beautiful life together, and enjoyed riches beyond measure. They have three children, Barry Van Matre (born 1960), John Van Matre (born 1962), and Amy Van Matre (born 1964).

Trent freely shared every good fruit of the Spirit: love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control. He did this consistently with his children, extended family, friends, neighbors, and strangers on the street. He shared his faith by word and deed. He was a humble man who continued to pray on his knees at his bedside every night until the very end. He was also strong and faithful in his love of the Lord and of his family. His gentle steadiness cut through hard times and darkness like a stream cuts through the mountain side. He was a light, even when the world brought darkness. And, through the work of the Spirit, he shared that light with everyone who crossed his path.

Trent knew hardships. He faced a great challenge the summer of 1970 when an accident at the Pensacola News Journal press room left him with a partially dismembered right hand. His children were 10, 8, and 6 at the time. Shirley was a stay-at-home mother. Trent was in the hospital for over six weeks and struggled through a number of surgeries and skin grafts. Despite setbacks, his faith remained strong. With faith, family, and church support, Trent overcame his injury. In keeping with God's perfect plan, Trent's hand became another extension of his ministry. It opened doors to conversation, but more so, it gave him another opportunity to demonstrate the fruits of the Spirit which were ripe within him.

Trent returned to the News Journal pressroom where he worked for 44 years until his retirement in 1992. After retirement, Trent and Shirley were able to enjoy some of their favorite pastimes and increased their work with East Hill Baptist Church. But, they most enjoyed the time with their children and grandchildren, Matthew Alan, Jackson Trent, and Ashley Denise. The time spent with the grandkids at the Naval Air Museum, Pensacola Beach, Disney, baseball fields, and sitting at church on Sundays was precious time to them. Trent and Shirley poured as much love and attention into their grandchildren as they did Barry, John, and Amy. And, because of their teachings, the grandchildren, and later great-grandchildren Matthew, Mason, and Marleigh, saw a living example of God's love and faithfulness.

Trent also enjoyed an extraordinary relationship with his son-in-law, Edward Wells, Amy's husband. He also loved his daughter-in-law, Caryn Aughtmon Van Matre, who was with him until his passing. Trent's relationships with extended family through his brother George, and with his "Alabama" family, gained through Edward and Caryn, were precious to him.

Trent's next great challenge was the loss of Shirley upon her passing April 11, 2008. And although his heart ached, his heart was never broken because of the promise of seeing her again in heaven. It is that thought that gives the family comfort as they struggle through their own heart ache now. After Edward's death, Amy was her father's constant companion, advocate, and caregiver. John was blessed to have Trent living very nearby to have that time with Trent.

Trent enjoyed good health and longevity until this last final year. This time was difficult but necessary to allow the family to come to terms with life without Papaw. God's timing is perfect as family and friends shared time with him until the very end.

In his final months, Trent received life-enriching services from Covenant Care and extraordinary in-home care from his Covenant Care nurse Carol and aide Dee. He spent his last few days at West Florida Hospital's Covenant Care wing where he was treated with dignity, care, and love. The family is so very grateful for the care given by Covenant Care and prays they will continue their mission of providing care to those who are ill and to the families they leave behind.

Visitation will be held 10:30am until a Celebration of Trent's Life begins at 11:00am Saturday, December 9, 2023, at Harper-Morris Memorial Chapel, 2276 Airport Blvd., Pensacola, FL 32504, with Pastor Jim Murphy officiating. Interment will follow at Bayview Memorial Park.

Special requests: Because this is a celebration of Trent's life, the family requests that you come as you are or that you wear the colors of your favorite college football team. While Trent loved the FSU Seminoles, feel free to show your true colors and support for your team (even Alabama). Trent loved nothing more than a good football game!

In lieu of flowers, the family has requested donation to Covenant Care-Pensacola area or Hillcrest Baptist Church-Spanish Trail.