St. George, Utah - Matthew Ray Lewis, beloved husband, father and friend passed away Saturday, April 21, 2012 while doing what he loved and enjoying the outdoors in the Mojave Desert area.

He was born the son of Richard L. Lewis and Jane Hepworth Lewis on August 1, 1978. He always enjoyed his free time and loved being his own boss. Matt was constantly looking for new business opportunities and thrived as an entrepreneur. He ran multiple sales companies, had his real-estate license, and he was currently involved in a start-up Web Marketing Company with his wife.

Matt married his childhood friend and love of his life, Crystal Barton, on December 30, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada. They later celebrated their union with a summer wedding ceremony in 2010. Crystal brought three wonderful children to their marriage and together they recently welcomed a daughter to their family. Matt considered all four children his own. He recently was found watching a how-to video on french braiding just so he could be the dad that could braid his daughters hair. When talking about his children, Matt often said, "Its all worth it seeing the kids smiling faces."

He loved his family and had many dear friends. He was always the charmer and enjoyed playfully harassing those friends and family he loved so much. We will fondly remember being hustled for bragging rights in golf, bowling, cards and board games.

He is survived by his wife, Crystal; four children: Riley, Brandi, Megan and Victoria RayLynn; along with his two dogs, Monte and Reggie. He is also survived by his sister, Angela (Shane) Bishop and niece, Elizabeth of Las Vegas, NV; his parents, Rick and Jane Lewis of St. George, Utah; and brother, Nick Nester of St. George, Utah. He was preceded in death by his grandparents: Grant and Bettie Hepworth, Norman and Donna Lewis.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, April 26, 2012 at 11:00 a.m. at the Entrada Country Club, 2537 West Entrada Trail, St. George, Utah. Friends may call Wednesday evening, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Metcalf Mortuary, 288 West St. George Blvd. and on Thursday, prior to services, from 9:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. at the Entrada Club House. Interment will follow at the Ivins City Cemetery, Ivins, Utah. Arrangements entrusted to the care of Metcalf Mortuary, (435) 673-4221.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the "Matt Lewis Childrens Fund" at any Wells Fargo Bank.