"Dear Smith Family, My heart goes out to you during this difficult time. Matt was a great guy and will be missed immensely. You all are in my thoughts and prayers. Teresa (Haas) Mitchell"
In loving memory of
Matthew David Smith
May 4, 1982 - December 1, 2022
Matthew David Smith, age 40, of rural Quincy, died Thursday, December 1, 2022, at 6:11 pm in Blessing Hospital.
Matthew was born May 4, 1982 in Quincy, Illinois, the son of David Alan and Diana Lynn Byerly Smith. He married Clare Glomski on July 10, 2004 in Lansing, MI. She survives.
Matthew grew up in the Payson and Fall Creek area and attended Payson Schools until the fifth grade when he transferred to St. Peters School in Quincy. He graduated from Quincy Notre Dame in 2000. He went on to attain a Bachelor Degree in Education from Quincy University in 2004 and later his Masters Degree.
Matthew was a dedicated Eagle Scout and was a Vigil Honor member of the Order of the Arrow. His dedication continued through adulthood. While in college he piloted a scouting outreach program for at risk youth. Matthew also worked on summer camp staff as Scout Craft and T21 Director and to this day continued to assist in setting up camp every year with his sons in scouting. He served many years on the Eagle Scout Board of Review and was the last Lodge Chief of Maheengun Lodge. Most recently he served as Scout Leader and mentor for his own children throughout their scouting journey.
As an educator, Matthew worked at Irving Grade School in Quincy before moving on to Hannibal Public Schools where he was a special education teacher at Oakwood Elementary, a place very dear to his heart. For the last two years he was Program Coordinator for Western Illinois Special Education Cooperative.
Matthew was a lifelong member of Central Baptist Church serving as Deacon, and beginning in 2008, as Youth Minister. During that time he recruited, transported, and taught programming for K-12 students. He was especially devoted to his high school students and for many years took them on trips to Green Lake, WI and Silver Dollar City. He would even occasionally host a student in need in his own home.
Matthew devoted much of his personal time to "hobby farming", including poultry, rabbits, and gardening.
All of the many things Matthew did were motivated by an unwavering love for his family. His life's work was their future.
Survivors in addition to his wife include: five children, Elaina, Isaac, Gideon, Josiah, and Levi Smith; his parents, David Alan and Diana Lynn Smith of Quincy; a brother, Nicholas (Amanda) Smith of Quincy; and nieces and nephews, Charlotte, Dominic, and Noble Smith.
Matthew was preceded in death by: his grandparents, Lois and Noble Byerly and Larry and Betty Smith; and great uncles, Arvid Nelson and Harold Aiken.
Visitation: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm, Wednesday December 7, 2022 at Central Baptist Church.
Services: 10:00 am Thursday, December 8, 2022 at Central Baptist Church, with Pastor Jason Sommerfeldt officiating. Burial will follow at Greenmount Cemetery.
Memorials: In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Clare Smith to be used for their childrens' education.. Memorial Donations may be made online at https://memorials.hansenspear.com
www.hansenspear.com
Hansen-Spear Funeral Directors are in charge of the arrangements.
Tributes
"I was saddened to here of Matt's passing! My thoughts and prayers are with Claire, the kids and family! Carrie (Kelle) Lisenbee"
"I am so sad and sorry to hear of Matt?s death. He was such an energetic young man with so much love and passion in his ministry to all young people. I remember so vividly seeing him and Nick every Sunday morning all dressed up like the little gentlemen they were and grew to be. My deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to all the Smith family for your loss of such a good and loving husband, father/dad, son and brother. Sandy Tomlin "
"Dear Smith Family, I am so very sorry to hear about your loss. I did not get to know Matt well but I don't think anyone had to get to know him well to know how great of a man he was and is. My thoughts and Prayers go to all of you. Andy Klingele"
"I'm so sorry about your lose I'm one of the many kids he helped make friends in church my name is Roselynn Radcliffe and me and Mr.Matt were pretty nice friends and he will be missed by me and my mother Marissa Radcliffe."
"Dear Clare and Family, I am so sorry to hear of Matt's death. Please accept my condolences and know of my prayers and the prayers of the Franciscan Friars of my community. Faith tells us Matt now reigns with the Lord...it's still really hard to loose someone so loveable and important in your lives. You are in my heart as he is in the heart of the Lord. We pray for Matt and we pray for you. Fr. Ralph Parthie, OFM"
"Dear Dave, Dee, Clare and children. It's hard to comprehend Matt's passing. He was such a dedicated and godly husband, father, son, brother, teacher, youth leader, etc and will be missed by all those he came in contact with. We can rest in the fact that he is in heaven with Jesus and those who went before him. Praying for you all as you go through this trial and that you can be comforted in the arms of God. Sandy and Fred "
"To Matt?s family and friends. My husband and I came up on his accident. We sent prayers to Jesus for Peace and healing. Matt?s spirit is at Peace. We continue to pray for those left behind. I pray you are comforted knowing Matt is in the arms of Jesus. I pray his family and friends are embraced by God?s Love. We can?t comprehend why some are taken at such a young age. We trust in the big picture and knowing you will be together in eternity. I leave this message so you know he was not alone. Walk in faith and feel God?s Love in your time of mourning. God Bless."
"i rember when he was my boy scout leader in 3rd grade at irving school"
"Dave and Diana, I was saddened to learn of your loss and offer my deepest sympathy to you. Dwight Seeley"
"I was so saddened to hear of the accident and Matt's passing. We were both teachers at Irving Elementary School and then again for HPS. Matt dedicated his life to children, both as a father and teacher. He had so much patience when working with children who had learning disabilities. I always enjoyed talking shop with Matt and hearing his enthusiasm for teaching. Matt impacted the lives of so many students and they are the wiser for having had him as a teacher. My prayers and thoughts are with his family during this difficult time. Bob Landrum HPS "
"Dave & Diana, we are shocked and saddened to learn of Matt's passing. We have fond memories of scouting and school at Payson. What an accomplished life Matt led and legacy he leaves behind, our deepest sympathy to all who knew and love him."
"So sad to hear of Matt's passing. I didn't know him well but knew him from HPS. He was clearly a good God Fearing family man. I'm lifting his family in prayers. God bless you all as you work your way through this tragic time. Kelly Lillard ?"
"He was a very great man. He was very nice to my Tony and he took the time to teach him how to tie his shoes. You will be greatly missed mr.smith"
"I am so sorry for your loss. I had the honor of working with him at BPC-Elementary school for the last two years. He will be missed. "