Matthew James Schoonmaker

On Sunday, July 28, 2024, Matthew James Schoonmaker of Bridgeport, WV, passed away unexpectedly at the age of 52. Matt was born on October 28, 1971, in Chattanooga, TN, to Mary Rosalie Winters and the late Rev. Larry Schoonmaker.

Matt was a graduate of Tucker Co. High School. He received his Bachelor's Degree in Arts and Disciplinary Studies from Glenville State College, where he was also a percussion ensemble instructor. He also attended West Virginia University as a Graduate Assistant, working with the WVU drumline. At Fairmont State University, he was an assistant band director and a teacher and musician for their Fine Arts Program. He played in numerous bands, orchestras, and churches throughout his community and state. Matt has instructed multiple high school drumlines, including Fairmont Senior High as the most recent for their 2024 season. Since 2007, Matt was a percussion teacher at Bandland & Percussion Center, as well as their Studio and Accounts Manager for 12 years. Matt attended Barrackville Baptist Church and was an administrator for the 304 Jeep Club.

Matt married the love of his life, Danyelle Schoonmaker, on June 8, 2018, joining a family of 2 sons and 2 daughters. In addition to his passion for music, Matt loved spending time with Danyelle and their family and friends: camping, attending WVU basketball games, sitting with friends watching the Dallas Cowboys, jeep modifying and trail riding or just sitting snuggled up at home. Matt was known for his quick wit, great story telling, his infectious smile, and his kind and compassionate heart.

Matt is survived by his mother, Mary Rosalie Winters of Eglon; his wife, Danyelle Schoonmaker of Bridgeport; sons, Tyler Lambert and wife Angel of Fairmont, and Kaiden Schoonmaker of Clarksburg; daughters, Olivia Leadman of Morgantown, and Mallory Leadman of Whitehall; grandchildren, Ainslee Lambert, Beau Lambert and one on the way, Eli James; siblings, Stephanie Dumire and husband Allan of Morgantown, and Mark Schoonmaker and wife Ann of Salt Lake City, UT; nieces, Hannah Sapp and husband Kasey, Bethany Evans; nephews, Zachary Evans and wife Donna, Eddie Schoonmaker, and Dylan Dumire.

He was preceded in death by Rev. Larry Schoonmaker and Keith Winters; and sister, Christina Evans.

Friends will be received at Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home, 567 Thomas Ave., Davis, on Friday, August 2, from 4 - 7 PM, and on Saturday August 3, from 11 AM- 1 PM. A funeral service will begin at 1 PM, with Pastor Bob Yothers officiating.

The Hinkle-Fenner Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Schoonmaker family at this time.