Matthew Liebal
Maj. Matthew Ryan Liebal, 34, of Fort Smith passed from this life Jan. 17, 2020, in Fort Smith. He was born Aug. 8, 1985, in New London, Conn., to Dennis and Kathryn Worden Liebal.
In 2001, Matthew was awarded the Eagle Scout badge. One of his community projects was organizing a road race to raise funds for a local food bank. Matthew was a graduate of Montville High School in Connecticut, where he excelled in track and field and was inducted into the Montville Athletic Hall of Fame.
Matthew completed his undergraduate degree and continued to run at Dickinson College in Carlisle, Pa. At Dickinson, Matthew earned All-American in 2005 in cross country, then again in 2007 in the 10,000 meters in track, where he broke the school record. In 2019, he was inducted into the Dickinson Athletic Hall of Fame for his efforts on the track. Also while at Dickinson, Matthew was actively involved in the ROTC Program and after graduation was commissioned in the U.S. Army, where Matthew was twice deployed to Iraq. His service there earned him multiple decorations, including the Bronze Star medal for his heroic achievement and the Meritorious Service medal for his outstanding service to the United States.
Following his honorable discharge from the Army as captain, Matthew continued his military career with the Arkansas Army National Guard, where he recently achieved the rank of major. Matthew furthered his education at the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and earned his Master of Business Administration with a focus in finance. With all that Matthew accomplished, his most prized and treasured was his marriage to Jill and the birth of their son, Benjamin.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Ray Liebal.
Matthew is survived by his wife, Jill and their son Benjamin; his parents, Dennis and Kathryn Liebal; two sisters, Rebecca Liebal and her fiancé David Coffey and his twin Heather Liebal; his paternal grandmother, Bernadette Liebal; his maternal grandmother, Virginia Ray and her husband Al; and his paternal grandfather, Richard Worden. He also leaves behind his father and mother-in-law, John and Wanda Johnson; three brothers-in-law, Bryce Johnson and his wife Lindsay and their children Presley and Sloan, Dr. Trent Johnson and his wife Shayla and their children Hadley and Ryland and Grant Johnson and his wife Jennifer and their daughter Ava; as well as numerous aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.
Funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Friday, Jan. 24, 2020, at First Baptist Church in Fort Smith with burial with U.S. Army honors to follow at the U.S. National Cemetery in Fort Smith, under the direction of Edwards Funeral Home.
The family will greet friends from 5-7 p.m. Thursday at Edwards Funeral Home.
To leave an online memory,visit www.edwardsfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Times Record from Jan. 21 to Jan. 22, 2020.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Liebal

Sponsored by Edwards Funeral Home.

16 Entries

Sam, Elaine Headley

February 4, 2020

Dennis, Kathy

We are so sadden to here of your loss. He was a good son you can very proud of him. Let us know if you need anything.

Michael & Kelly Fantacci

February 4, 2020

Dennis, Kathy, Heather & Beckie.
We are so sadden by the news of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and here if you need anything.

Barbara McCarthy

February 3, 2020

Kathy, Dennis, Heather and all the family,
I am so shocked to read this. I knew Matthew when he was a student in my class at Oakdale School, always such a sweet, energetic an cooperative little guy.
Why God called him so young is something we will never understand but hold on to His love that God will hold you in His hands and bring you some measure of comfort during this sorrowful time.
With love, prayers and sympathy,

Judy Abrams

February 3, 2020

I'm so very sorry and saddened to hear of such heartbreaking news. I knew Matthew as a young student in elementary and middle school. He was an outstanding young man and a fantastic athlete. My heart goes out to his family. I am grateful for his military service and the sacrifices he and his family made. May the Lord comfort you all in your time of grief, and may the happy memories of Matt bring you joy and warm your hearts.

Tobey Worthington

February 2, 2020

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of Matt. He was a kind and dedicated young man. My heart breaks for all of you. May you find peace.

Barbara & Ron Hayman

February 2, 2020

So sorry to hear about the loss of your son and brother. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family

Denis Lacroix

February 2, 2020

Dear Kathy and family, no words can adequately express my sadness and sympathy for your loss. May the God of all comfort grant you love, peace and strength at this difficult time. In prayer I send condolences.

Albert Mac Dade

January 24, 2020

Matt's intelligent, pleasant, & capable help was a big help in the technical & social sides of doing business. He infused tact & grace into all transactions.He made it all enjoyable. His service to country is honored & appreciated. Deep condolences to his wife & family as we share your loss.

January 23, 2020

Dear Kathy, Dennis and Family,

We are very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.

Sincerely, Lois and Pete Spielman

Jose Lopez

January 23, 2020

Sending my deep condolences and prayers to the Liebal family. I had the pleasure of knowing and working with MAJ Liebal when he was a platoon leader for D Co. 1-5 CAV, 2nd platoon Loose Cannons. He was my platoon leader in 2008 and in Iraq 2009. One story I would like to share is from before we deployed.

We were stationed at Fort Hood, TX and during that time I was a young soldier. I had gotten into trouble that my future in the service was uncertain. I took responsibility for my actions and apologized to LT Liebal and my platoon. One of the reasons why I was able to remain in the service was because of his recommendations, as my platoon leader during my hearing.

I will always be grateful to him for believing in me and giving me a second chance. I admire his leadership during that rough time of mine. I have applied everything that I've learned from that experience, specially his leadership qualities. When I'm faced with a tough or similar situation with one of my soldiers, I always go back to my memory and how LT Liebal handled my situation. I try to make the best decision possible. I hope to be a great leader one day, as he was.

MAJ Liebal was a great person. He was a great platoon leader who showed compassion, made deliberate decisions, and believed in second chances. I will never forget you sir for helping me and believing in me. Loose Cannons, Mad Dogs, Black Knights!

Jose Lopez

Katie

January 23, 2020

I am truly saddened by the news of Matt's passing. Matt was always kind and greeted everyone with a smile. My heart goes out to his family at this time of grief. I wish all of you peace and comfort.

January 22, 2020

RIP Matthew. You were always an amazing runner; and outgoing with everything you ever did. My thoughts and prayers are with your Family.

Dan and Debbie Leblanc

January 22, 2020

Dennis and Kathryn We are very sorry for your loss. Prayers go out from our family to yours.

Jesse Wallace

January 21, 2020

Matt,

I remember you being one of the first persons to greet me when I arrived at 1-5 CAV. I never forgot our passionate debates about baseball. I also remembered your bride Jill and how you spoke highly of her. God is a God of justice and love that will bring compassion to all who seek Him. It's a shame that your time with us is short, but you go ahead and begin working on the mansion for Jill and your baby. May my Lord keep you, hold you and embrace you tightly. And just as we weep, He the Great Creator weeps for us, and our pain, (John 11:35).

CH (MAJ) Jesus Wallace