Bryant “Peanut” Matthews, 61 of Valparaiso, passed away Saturday, August 23, 2025. He was born March 13, 1964, in Merrillville to Bryant and Patricia (Nadolski) Matthews. Peanut graduated from Merrillville High School in 1982, and received his bachelor's degree in business from Ball State University, where he was active in the Sigma Epsilon fraternity. He joined his father in running the family business, Bryant’s Pools in Valparaiso for 44 years. Peanut’s passion was collecting fishing lures, which he traveled to shows near and far to find. He also enjoyed cheering for the Chicago Blackhawks, and socializing with his family and friends. Peanut will be remembered for his generosity towards friends and proclivity for being right.
He is survived by his mother, Patricia Matthews of Crown Point; siblings: Sherrie (Carmen Dulhanty) Matthews of Crown Point, Paul (Renee) Matthews of Crown Point, Roger (Dawn) Matthews of Hobart; nieces: Ashley Matthews, Bailey (Evan Pearson) Matthews, Zoie Matthews, Meranda (Mason) Sparr; and great nephews: Angelo and Gabriel Sparr. He was preceded in death by his father, Bryant Matthews; and sister, Heather Matthews.
A visitation will be held on Friday, August 29, 2025, from 3:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. at Moeller Funeral Home, 104 Roosevelt Rd., Valparaiso, with a funeral service beginning at 6:30 p.m. Cremation will follow. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Humane Society of Northwest Indiana, 6100 Melton Rd., Gary, IN 46403.
The family would like to extend a special thank you to Heart to Heart Hospice and Comfort Keepers for the exceptional care they provided to Peanut in his final days.
GUESTBOOK
Our hearts go out to Bryant’s family and also Victor, Julie, Nolan and all the boys in the shop. We had met Bryant about 30 years ago after we bought a pool and Bryant was always our GO To MAN. He knew exactly what needed to be done if our pool needed extra care. We loved going in to visit him because he always had some great stories and he loved when we would bring our dog in with us. He will definitely be missed. -Jack and Susan Gaul
I am happy that the time between his health allowing for him to go break bread at Wagners and his passing was brief. Bryant and I talked of death his and mine and how we wanted people to view it. Both of us realizing that we would not only be excommunicated from our respective religions but from general society as well, we decided never to speak about it again. Regardless, and I have no evidence to support this but I think Bryant would approve of my post. -Lance Raphael
We are so sorry for your loss. Bryant was such a wonderful person. We were honored to have him as a friend. -Jan and Theo Creech
Wishing you peace and comfort during this difficult time. We met Bryant 19 years ago while attending his Pool School classes. He always took care of all our pool needs and treated us very well. He will be dearly missed. To Victor, Julie, Nolan, and all the guys at the store we send our Love and Strength. -Greg and Laura O'Neil
Bryant was a Sig Ep pledge brother of mine at Ball State. Everyone loved him and his giant heart. He will be missed by Sig Eps all over the world. Thank you, Bryant, for making Sigma Phi Epsilon and the world a better place. Condolences to his family. -John Skelton
I first met Bryant about 15 years ago at the poker table at the Blue Chip Casino, we played 100’s of hours of poker together and became friends that loved to eat at William B’s on Friday and Saturday nights for a great bone in Ribeye and some Shrimp and for dessert we both loved to enjoy a nice Cuban Cigar and stand at the end of the craps table laughing and throwing dice. I moved out to Vegas 7 years ago and I have missed those times greatly but he was the one friend that would call regularly and tell me about his latest poker game wins and losses. My heart aches for the loss of my friend and too his family I want to send my deepest condolences and prayers. When I get to heaven I can’t wait to walk into the casino and see my friend at the poker table with a stack of chips! Thanks for being my friend Bryant!! RIP -Kevin Swanson
RIP my friend. A rare Tiede lure Collector. a visit to his home was a real treat. Always a great visit with his low key humor. I will miss him. -Don Ludy
I'm so sorry to hear of Bryant's passing. He was always cracking jokes when I came into his pool store. He was an avid fisherman and showed me his fishing lure collection. Our sympathies go out to his entire family. -Roger Tatum
Prayers for the family. Bryant was a Good Man.We met Him at the N.F.L.C.C. Shows. He was one of the first members to help Our Grand Children, Spike and Katie with Their Fishing Lure Collections at The shows. He was always so kind and Jolly. Thank You Bryant. Rest in Peace. -Donna Washburn, Spike and Katie. NFLCC ILLINOIS
My deepest condolences to his family. I grew up with Bryant and Sherri. He was always welcome at our house. The hours we spent on the front porch talking were very memorable. -Sheila Dwyer
Uncle Bryant, you will always hold a special place in my heart. You treated my sister and I like we were your own children, taking us on adventures to the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago or to Tiffany’s to add special charms to our bracelets. Growing up, it felt like we lived at your house every summer, swimming from dawn until dusk in your pool, always set to at least 90 degrees. We still smile remembering those hot summer days, floating in the pool with music playing, a popsicle in hand, while you enjoyed a cigar. Remember when we finally taught Lena how to swim in your pool after two years of trying? Now we can't get her out of the water! Those memories will always stay close to our hearts. You weren’t just my uncle, but also my boss during those summers at the pool store. Even though you pushed me hard (and maybe even made me cry once or twice), you taught me lessons that shaped who I am today. You showed me how to connect with people, take responsibility, and face challenges head-on. Most of all, you were there for me in difficult times, always ready to listen and provide unbiased advice. I’ll carry those memories and lessons with me always. Our family won't be the same without Uncle Bryant, but his spirit and love will live on in us. -Ashley Matthews
Uncle Bryant filled my life with so many unforgettable memories. I’ll always remember playing trivia with him and he somehow knew every answer...except for "whose hips don't lie?".... the answer was Shakira. Summers at his house were some of the best times of our childhood, and he kept the pool warm. Every summer, he’d take me up to Chicago to visit the aquarium or a museum, and he always made it extra special by gifting me Tiffany’s charms. He was also my boss for the 5 summers I worked at the pool store and he taught me so much. His advice has stuck with me over the years, and I still carry his words with me. He was generous, wise, and sharp. I’ll miss him deeply, but I’m so grateful for the love, lessons, and memories he gave me. -Bailey Matthews
It is with a heavy heart we send our condolences to The Matthews Family in their time of need ,Our thoughts and prayers are with your family. From -Cindy and Roy Torres
Bryant was the first real boss I had during my high school summers. While I initially feared him, we quickly became close and I learned a ton. After leaving Valparaiso for college, we stayed in touch with a phone call every other month or so. He often would call me on holidays and say “Happy *insert holiday*” then hang up. He left a great legacy and will be missed. -Sam Kropp
I’m so sorry to hear about ‘Peanut’! It’s so hard to hear of family members passing away. But I remember the wonderful person that he was and how kind he was to everybody! You will all be in my prayers! -Tim Lazar
Bryant was a generous, caring brother in law. He has helped me in so many ways over the years. He gave me a job at the pool store during my high school and college summers, took me bowling and to dinner when Paul worked nights, and subbed for me at Pierce (he got a kick out of the students thinking we were married since we had the same last name). When I was the cheerleading coach and pregnant with Ashley, Bryant drove me to all the away basketball games since I couldn’t ride the bus. Bryant came over to give out candy at our house on Halloween the day Bailey was born so Paul could take Ashley trick or treating. In April of 1998 Bryant drove to our house when I phoned him at 6am to pick up my girls and I during the ice storm to get us to Pat’s house. He would later drive back during the blizzard on the treacherous roads to get Paul and our collie. Bryant took the entire family out to dinner at both Blue Chip and the restaurant on the cruise for filets, lobster, and soufflés . I am still being reminded of the hilarious bridal party intro he did as best man for our wedding. Bryant was an excellent dancer, very witty, and had a breadth and depth of knowledge on many topics such as history, both English and American literature, currency, and religion. We love you Bryant and know that somewhere in heaven you are finally taking that fishing trip and using some of those fishing lures. -Renee Matthews
My prayers and condolences go out to Bryant's family and friends. I got to know Bryant after we purchased a house with a pool 40+ years ago. After years of being unhappy with our pool maintenance and suppliers, I walked into Bryant's Pools and never ventured anywhere else since. He was attentive and honest. Always there for me in a pinch. Over the years we got to be friends and I very much appreciated his friendship. I certainly hated to see him go through his many health problems, but he hired well and my pool service never was affected. I'm glad he has found some relief and peace, but I sure will miss him. -Brad Koeppen
Bryant had a special way with people and it was what it is was. His pool knowledge was greater than any man in the land. He would know what you needed to do with your pool report before it was printed. Bryant challenged me when I knew nothing about being a pool owner. I admire him for that! He was the realist person I’ve ever met, and I admire him for that. I went from not knowing a single thing about my pool to him having confidence in me to be able to open it myself and balancing. Bryant even made an impression on my girls and they were saddened to hear of his death. Bryant was a big bear on the outside but a sweet teddy on the inside but you had to take the time and not judge the exterior. Thinking of you all, and I also heard all about his nieces and how he cared for them. Thinking about you all, Victor, Julie and Nolan. You all are the reason many never gave up and your dedication and knowledge from Bryant does not go unnoticed. Ever. My condolences to you all. -Andrea Mount
I just saw this and am so sorry to hear of this terrible news. My sincere condolences and regrets that I was not able to pay my last respects to Bryant. He was a good friend and my "go to" man for my pool needs. He and Victor were always there when I needed their expertise. Still remember his "Pool Schools" for many years . They were fun and I always learned something new there every year. Now he can rest in peace and say "HI" to my beloved Shiloh, who was one of his favorite fur buddie. Missed you when you left the shop and will miss your friendship always. RIP Bryant. -John Dobbins
Bryant will be missed. I always enjoyed our conversations at the store. -Brad Wisowaty
