Matthew Dee Bethards

Matthew "Matt" Dee Bethards, 53, of Lawson, Missouri passed away on January 11, 2025. Matt was born the only son of Dwain D. Bethards & Marjorie L. Rose on February 14, 1971 in North Kansas City, Missouri. He was united in marriage to his wife Chondra Diane Horvath on November 18, 1989. To this union two children were born-Samantha and Cory.
Matt was a devoted family man who was blessed with a large and loving family. Matt and his wife, Chondra enjoyed 35 years of marriage celebrating the life they built with one another. Matt also experienced the joy of becoming an amazing grandfather to Imbri Faith Lehman, (8) Eliza Grace Lehman (6) Maryn Joyce Lehman (4), and Barrett Zev Bethards (2). He was also honored to be a step-grandfather to Tatianna, Nina and Cayden Birge. Some of Matt's favorite times were spent hunting and fishing with his friends and son on the Missouri River or goose and duck hunting in North Dakota. He was notorious for his colorful humor and infectious laugh. He enjoyed sharing his love of fishing with his kids and grandchildren.
Matt grew up in Raytown, Mo. and graduated from Raytown High School in 1989. He was active in football, weightlifting, boxing and baseball. After graduation, he was employed as an electrician with Inland Electric in Kansas City, Mo. He later became a commercial and service electrician with Epic Electric in Kansas City, Mo. In 2000, he joined the Local IBEW #124 in Kansas City, Mo as a Journeyman wireman and began his employment with R.F. Fisher Electric. He became an accomplished electrician, who ultimately spent his last days with Staco Electric as a General Foreman. He was dedicated, hardworking and respected by his peers. He built a reputation for being a meticulous taskmaster who prided himself in his work.
Matt is survived by his wife, Chondra, and two children Samantha Lehman (Matt) of Liberty and Cory Bethards (Karen) of Excelsior Springs. Other survivors include his Father, Dwain Bethards of Excelsior Springs, his sisters Dawn Farmer of Lawson, and Elizabeth Carr of Lawson, along with many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his mother, Marjorie Loretta Rose.
In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made for his grandchildren's education fund.