Matthew Mark Everill

1986 - 2025

Matthew Mark Everill

1986 - 2025

Cottonwood Heights, UT-Matthew Mark Everill, a proud Purple Heart badass of the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines, passed away on Thursday, April 10, 2025 at the age of 38. Ultimately, the aftermath of his service in both Iraq (Operation Iraqi Freedom) and Afghanistan (Operation Enduring Freedom) ended up claiming his shortened, but full life. Matt's service within the "Forgotten Battalion," as it is termed, shaped every part of him following his return from duty.

Before, during, and after the wars, Matt was loved and admired by everyone that encountered him. His towering physique and long straggly beard showed the warrior and strength he embodied. He had the biggest heart and a unique, witty humor that only he could pull off. His gift of loyalty, brotherhood, and compassion carried through every personal relationship. He gave everything he had to light up the faces of his friends and let them know how much they meant to him. From installing speakers in Humvees for adrenaline-pumping battle soundtracks, to magically and expertly creating stages, aerial sets, and lighting to bring concerts, presentations, and art to life as a passionate and brilliant master electrician and stage/lighting extraordinaire, Matt perfected team building and only settled for the best of the best. He brought endless humor to every interaction and usually gave out tokens of some kind to solidify your stance, achievement, or even idiocy.

Our family always joked that Matt had nine lives. He never used training wheels, always had goose-egg on his forehead, nearly drowned by jumping in before he realized he couldn't swim, and somehow always came out on the other side without fear despite the injuries and traumas. Even in his adult life, he would break his leg, reset it himself, and carry on like nothing happened. Nothing would hold him back from doing what he wanted - leaning into the freedom he so rightly fought for and deserved.

From surviving being shot, blown up a couple times, in daily gunfights, to beating cancer, making it out of a severe traumatic brain injury, and lord knows what else, his ninth life finally caught up with him. The last year of his life was a major struggle, the last month, even harder. We all rest easy knowing that he is no longer in pain, dealing with severe PTSD, and lonely from losing his purpose following his brain injury. Our family feels so fortunate for the time we were able to spend with him the last year.

With heartfelt gratitude, we would like to specifically acknowledge Dr. JD Green. Matt felt truly understood in his care and we cannot thank him enough for seeing Matt as he was. It was exactly what he needed. We would like to also thank the additional physicians, residents, nurses, social workers, and beyond at the George E. Wahlen VA Hospital and health system.

Matt was uniquely Matt - and will be dearly and tragically missed. The memorable stories and experiences shared with friends and family are beyond anything that could be expected. We ask that friends, colleagues, and family share their stories and pictures of Matt's life to: MattVetEverill@gmail.com. We would love to hear how he affected your life as we know that his care for others was his biggest accomplishment in life.

Matt is survived by his devoted father (Mark Everill), adoring sisters (Michelle (TJ) Everill and Kylie Everill), incredible grandparents (Carol and Craig Spray and Bryce Applegate), aunts and uncles (most notably Robyn (Jim) Becker, Mike Everill, and Carla Applegate), cousins (Ben and Max Hagan and Tony (Sydnee) and Ian (Loren) Anderson), niece and nephews, and mother (Darla Everill). He is preceded in death by grandparents and great-grandparents and, most significantly, a number of his military brothers in arms both during and after their war-time service.

A military honors grave-side ceremony will be conducted at Camp Williams (17111 South 1700 West, Bluffdale, UT, 84065) on May 8, 2025 at 2pm followed by a Celebration of Life that evening from 4-8pm at the SpringHouse Village Clubhouse (6091 W Sparrow View Dr., South Jordan, UA 84009). Feel free to wear black, not because it's a funeral, but because it's Matt.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to one of Matt's favorite non-profits: ASPCA, St. Jude's, and Veteran Support Groups.

Matt's motto: 'Merica, Freedom, I do what I want!