Matthew Alan Kubena

Matthew Alan Kubena, age 60, of Sweeny, Texas, passed away peacefully on September 18th, 2025, surrounded by his devoted family and in the arms of his loving wife. Born on December 28, 1964, in Houston, Texas to Dannie Jean and the late Charles Lee Kubena.

A devoted husband and best friend to his cherished wife, JoAnn Kubena. Baptized side by side, they devoted their marriage and lives to their Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Together, they spent eighteen wonderful years traveling, ranching, celebrating family, and together built the Kubena Cattle Co. business. Matt was a true outdoorsman, avid hunter, and lover of the Lord’s creations.

Matt was father to Daniel Craig (and daughter-in-law Amy) and Christopher Lee (and daughter-in-law Cheyanne) Kubena, dedicating his younger years to coaching baseball, raising and showing cattle. His tireless work ethic and dedication as a father were aimed at providing a respectable life for his sons. He was also grandfather to Makenzie, Kash, Peyton and Miley Kubena.

Matt was also a beloved father figure to Jamie Lee (and son-in-law Phillip) Urbanek and James Anthony (and daughter-in-law Miranda) Phillips, and a devoted and adored grandfather to Ava Marie, Rylie Iris and Ryder James Phillips and Charlie Rose and Samuel James Urbanek. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandson, Weston James Phillips. He found immense joy in his role as a grandfather, taking pride in nurturing and inspiring the next generation.

Matt also leaves behind his mother, Dannie Jean Calk, loving siblings Les (and sister-in-law Julie), Karen, and Cheryl Kubena and many nieces and nephews, who will cherish the memories of their shared childhood and familial bonds. Matt was preceded in death by his beloved grandparents, Christine “Granny” and Ludwig Kubena whose embrace he surely rejoins in the afterlife and whose love and guidance shaped the man he became.

Matt also leaves behind a doting mother-in-law, Josie Flores, and loving family, Tana and Janie Flores, Sergio and Laura Camacho, Joe and Roseanne Flores and many nieces and nephews.

Matt was blessed with a loving family in his early years when he settled in the town of Sweeny. He was embraced and cared for by the loving and Christian family of Charles and Jeanette Berry. They provided a loving home, structure, and strong Christian values. He loved them dearly and was forever grateful.

Matt was a young business owner in the small town of Sweeny, which provided him with many fond memories and friends. He retired with 30 years with The Dow Chemical Co., a supportive company that provided him with a blessed life, many friends and great medical care.

His influence extended far beyond his workplace, reaching into the fields and pastures that were the heart of his agricultural passion. A respected figure in the Santa Gertrudis Breeders International and the Mid-Coast Santa Gertrudis Association, Matt left a lasting impact as the Sale Chairman of the Cattleman's Opportunity Sale. His vision and legacy will continue in the many lives he touched with his mentorship and guidance. He was a true steward of the land, dedicated to the cattle and the rugged, beautiful life of a rancher, his true calling.

Left to treasure his memory is a wide circle of family and friends. As we bid farewell to Matthew Alan Kubena, we remember him as a driven and dedicated man, and humble servant of God. His life was a testament to the power of love, hard work, and faith. He will be deeply missed but forever remembered in the hearts of those who were fortunate to know and love him, may he rest in peace, embraced by eternal love and the grace of his faith.

Relatives and friends are invited to his viewing on Saturday September 27, 2025, from 12-1 pm at the First Baptist Church of Sweeny. His funeral service will begin at 1 pm with Pastors’ Warren Rayburn and John Price officiating. Interment to follow at Old Columbia Cemetery, West Columbia.

Serving as pallbearers are Robert Black, Sergio Camacho, Tana Flores, Les Kubena, Jason Miller, David Moran, Mike Venske and Robby Woodard. Honorary pallbearers are Joe Flores, Jr., Josh Goff, James Hardy, Bert Hernandez, and Jeff Irwin.

Our family is forever grateful for the compassion and care Matt received at the Houston Methodist Stem Cell Transplant facility. Their care was beyond professional and nothing short of the Lord’s work. No words could express our gratitude for the compassion, hard work, and dedication in caring for our beloved Matt. You are all truly the Lord’s hands and angels of this earth.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to Blood Cancer United (previously known as the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) at https://bloodcancerunited.org  or First Baptist Church Sweeny at https://giving.servantkeeper.com/fbcsweeny 

Condolences may be left for the family at www.ctbakerfuneral.com