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Matthew Fenner Obituary
Abilene
2nd Lt. Matthew B. Fenner of the United States Army was born on August 25, 1984 to Patrick and Debra Fenner in Abilene, Texas. He passed away on Sunday, August 8, 2010, at Ft. Leonard Wood, Missouri.
Funeral services will be held Monday, August 16th, at 10:00 a.m. at Holy Family Catholic Church officiated by Rev. Msgr. Frederick Nawarskas. Visitation with the family will be from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap, on Sunday, August 15th, with a prayer service to follow at 7:00 p.m.. Matthew will be laid to rest at Elmwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Remembrance.
Matthew joined Boy Scouts of America as a Cub Scout and received the Arrow of Light. He later achieved the rank of Eagle Scout and Vigil in the Order of the Arrow. Matthew spent many summers working at Camp Tonkawa and Camp Billy Gibbons where he taught several merit badges and worked as a climbing instructor. Matthew had a love for the outdoors. He believed in working hard and that service to others is not only a duty but an honor.
Matthew was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church. He served in many areas in the church community. He had a passion for the Word of God and loved to share his love for God with others.
Matthew graduated from Hawley High School in 2003. He attended Conception Seminary College in Missouri and later graduated Summa Cum Laude from Saint Mary's University in 2008 with a double major in Philosophy and English. Having acquired an education, Matthew believed his next duty was to begin his journey to serve his country. He joined the United States Army in the fall of 2009. He completed Basic training and graduated from Officers Candidate School in Fort Benning, GA in May 2010. Matthew's next endeavor was to pursue a Military Occupational Specialty in Law Enforcement at Fort Leonard Wood, MO.
Matthew is survived by his parents Patrick and Debra Fenner of Hodges, Texas; a sister, Stephanie Fenner of Abilene, Texas and a brother, Astin Fenner of Hodges, Texas; an aunt, Marsha Marrs and her husband, Dwayne, and their children, Jennifer, Ryan and Cory. Matthew was preceded in death by his grandparents, Knolie and Isabell Fenner, Ray and Kay Smith and an Aunt Stephanie Smith.
Memorials may be sent to Conception Seminary College, P.O. Box 502 37174 State Hwy V V, Conception, MO 64433 coceptionabbey.org.
Online condolences may be posted at www.HamilFamilyFuneralHome.com.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
August 27, 2010
Debra and Pat - so sad to hear of Matt's passing. We have thought of you all many times over the years and recalled many great memories. May strength and peace be with you....our love to Steph and Ashton too.
ashley baldwin
August 27, 2010
Matthew was an amazing young man. We went to school together til I moved to Austin in 2001. he was always so caring and always had a smile on his face.He was always willing to help anyone.Gos be with his family and his friend. Im so thankful that I was able to get to know Matthew. he will be missed
Caitlin Demarest
August 19, 2010
Matt Fenner was not a member of my platoon, but I remember seeing his big grin many times at Officer's Candidate School. I am extremely sad to think that the light of that grin is gone, and can offer you only condolences. May God give you the grace to love his brother and sister more than ever and knit your family together in love as well as sorrow.
God Bless You All
Ramaglia Family
August 19, 2010
Our deepest sympathy goes out to the Fenner family. We had the pleasure of seeing Matthew graduate with our son from OCS at Ft. Benning. It was indeed a proud moment. May God continue to bless you and shine His love upon you all.
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Amy Smith
August 16, 2010
Pat, My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this time.
Shaun Guard
August 16, 2010
I has the pleasure of getting to know Matt at conception he was a classmate and a very good friend I never would have made it through philosophy if wasn't for Matt's help. He will be a big lost to our world. May the good Lord Bless you all at this time!
Alex Verrillo
August 16, 2010
I did not know Matthew well, but we did attend middle school together in Hawley. What I do remember about him was that he was always very sweet and kind. Someone that was always happy and he did his best to project that happiness to all those around him. I remember also that he was a very intelligent young man. He was a cute boy then and from what I see has grown to be a very handsome man. His good nature will truly be missed in this world. May God bless his family and friends and bring them peace in this very difficult time. I hope that they can take comfort in the fact that Matthew is with our Lord, where there is no sorrow or pain.
August 15, 2010
My boys both worked Boy Scout summer camp with Matt for several years.They both have many fond memories of Matt and I can still see him working with Mr. Cagill. Our deepest sympathy's to you all. What a wonderful young man you raised;
The Kuykendall's (Eric, Lance and parents)
Michael Cervenka
August 15, 2010
I did not know Matthew but Father Bob mentioned him at mass today in Bronte and asked for our prayers for Matthew and family. I wanted to see Matthew and put a face with whom my prayers are going out to. So sorry for your loss and may you find peace.
Ernest Gandy
August 15, 2010
To Matthews Parents: I had the priviledge of being on the flight transporting Matthew to DFW. It was a very moving experience. I feel like now that I knew him and have been able to read of his many accomplishments in life. He did, and would have made the world a better place.
I was seated by the window and was able to video the ceremony at DFW and the ground crew at the airport as Matthew's body was being transferred. I would be happy to email you this if you would like to have it. My sincere condolences for a wonderful boy. Ernie Gandy
[email protected]
Leland & Mishelle Godbee
August 15, 2010
Pat, Debra and Family,
May God be with you during this difficult time. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Leland & Mishelle Godbee
Christie Price and family
August 14, 2010
We loved Matthew very much, I recently saw this wonderful young man at the store and am so glad that I took the time to turn around and get to speak to him. Matthew was always very polite and courteous. My daughter was lucky enough to work at the pool at summer camp at camp Tonkawa several years ago, and had a blast. He will be very much missed and remembered by all that he came in contact with. Our condolences to the family, may God be looking down on you with Matthew by his side.
Lindsey Still-Hamilton
August 14, 2010
I went to elementry school with Matt. I moved away in seventh grade, but I remember him very well. I remember how smart he was,and how he was always willing to help me with my math. I remember him wearing his boy scout uniform to school, and how proud he was to be apart of that. I have a son of my own now, and I am deeply sorry for your loss.
August 14, 2010
Franes, May God be with you and family during this time , our prayers and thoughts go to you. Ed/Janell Elmore
Sylvia Ramos
August 14, 2010
With deepest sympathy to Matthew's family. I worked with Matthew at Red Lobster in Abilene. He was always so polite and willing to help out wherever it was needed. My fondest memory of Matthew is his first day at work. He came to me for a name tag and I spelled his name with one T. He said "maam, my name is spelled with two T's like in the Bible."
Later on I went on to have my own son and named him Matthew- with two T's.
I am truly sorry for you loss. May you find peace in knowing Matthew is in heaven with our beloved Lord.
Gordon/Karen Ruth
August 14, 2010
Our condolences to Patrick, Debra, and family on the loss of Matthew. God bless you all.
Lavene Taylor
August 14, 2010
What a sad loss. Our thoughts and sympathies are with all the family. Lavene Fenner Taylor and Family
Marti Martin
August 14, 2010
My prayers are with you all during your time of loss. I didn't know Matthew well although I have heard many stories about him from my son Benjamin. I do know that he was truly a special young man, and all the people whose lives he touched are blessed to have known him. May you find peace in knowing Matthew now rests in the arms of our Lord.
Annette Johnson
August 14, 2010
I am so sorry to learn of Matthew's passing. I remember the pride that Knolie always expressed about the person Matthew was. I guess the Lord needed him to come home and I know you will miss him terribly. I know you can take comfort in the assurance that you will be united with Matthew in heaven
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