Matthew Farris Obituary

AVA - Matthew Farris, 33, of Ava, formerly of Vienna, passed away at 9:10 a.m. Wednesday, May 28, 2008, in Southeast Missouri Hospital in Cape Girardeau.

He was born July 19, 1974, in Paducah, the son of Joe C. Farris and Brenda (Gulley) Farris.

Matt married Dawn R. Kranawetter on Feb. 2, 2002, in Mount Vernon.

Matt was a teacher at Trico High School.

He was a member of First Christian Church in Vienna.

He is survived by his wife, Dawn Farris of Ava; two daughters, Kendall and Sydney Farris of Ava; mother, Brenda Farris of Vienna; father and step-mother, Joe and Sharon Farris of Vienna; brothers and sisters-in-law, Todd and Sarah Farris of Mount Pulaski and Russ and Kirsten Farris of Springfield; sister, Sara Farris of Houston, Texas; step-brothers, Chad and Julie Martin of Wheeler and Josh Carney of Lombard; step-sister, Suzie Alfonso of Conover, N.C.; maternal grandmother, Wanda Gulley of Vienna; mother-in-law and father-in-law, Betty and Dale Kranawetter of Ava; sisters-in-law, Michelle Newfarmer of Murphysboro and Cheryl and Brock Gale of Jacob; brother-in-law, Jeremy Kranawetter and fiancée, Megan Layne, of Murphysboro; eight nieces and nephews; aunt and uncle, Dean and Nita Gulley of Vienna; and uncle, Terry Gulley of Cypress.

He was preceded in death by his maternal grandfather and paternal grandparents.

Services will be at 1:30 p.m. Sunday, June 1, 2008, in Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna, with the Rev. Raymond Barclay and the Rev. Keith Bradley officiating. A memorial service will also be at 7 p.m. today in Wilson's Funeral Home in Ava. Burial will be in Johnson Cemetery in Vienna. Visitation will be from 3 to 6:30 p.m. today at Wilson's Funeral Home and at 4 p.m. Saturday and from 9 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Sunday at Bailey Funeral Home.

Memorials may be made to an education fund for Kendall and Sydney or the Heather Treat Memorial Fund.

For more information, visit www.wilsonsfuneralhome.net or www.baileyfh.com.

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

Published by The Southern Illinoisan from May 29 to May 30, 2008.

Memories and Condolences
for Matthew Farris

12 Entries

Mcihelle Hinnerichs (Wininger)

June 1, 2008

Dawn and family,

Matt was a friend of mine in high school, we graduated together. Words can't express how sorry I was to find out about his illness and now passing. It was only a few short months ago that I found out how close we actually lived from each other. I have lived in Percy for the past 6 years. Matt was a great guy. I doubt he mentioned me we lost touch after graduation. But we did have some good times in school. One particular memory stands out in my mind. We were in a homecoming skit our senior year. Even though his leg was in a cast at the time he gave a great performance. You were blessed to have had him in your life and will continue to be blessed by the daughters that he left behind. My prayers are with you all.

Sam McKee

May 31, 2008

Dawn, Kendall, Sydney & all of Matt's family,

Matt and I became close friends at Eastern Illinois University. He was one of the funniest guys I ever met. One time we were talking with a group of people in the hallway and someone said, "Well, we're not in Canada you know." And Matt said, "What? We're not in Canada?" And his eyes got real huge and his jaw dropped and he just ran off out of the building. He had such a quick wit and a spirit of joy.

We covered the story of the Grateful Dead after Jerry Garcia passed away. Matt was a creative thinker and a phenomenal writer. I had just come out of the partying scene, and hadn't found anybody in church who was as hilarious or fun to be around as Matt. He was such a free spirit and he gave me my laughter fix. And before I left Eastern, I hooked Matt up with a Bible because I found so much life and joy in there.

A few months ago, I felt this longing to try and find him. I searched as much as I could and even left voice mails on another matthew farris' phone, but I couldn't find him. I felt the same impression tonight and I found his obituary. I really miss Matt and I didn't really know him the way you all know him. I can't imagine what you're going through. I don't know what happened, but I look forward to seeing him again. The God I believe in has a great sense of humor and I'm sure He'd love to have Matt keeping us all happy in Heaven.

The hard part is for those of you who miss him most. I'm praying for you all. Where can I mail a donation for the girls?

Trish Morris

May 30, 2008

Dawn and Family, We were saddened to hear of the passing of Matt. Although I only met him once during his stay at Herrin Hospital, it was a pleasure to be in his presence. May all of the memories you made during his time here get you through. All of our love, your family, Trish & family and the Davis clan

Michelle Weinhold (Rieckenberg)

May 30, 2008

Dawn,

So sorry to hear of your loss. He was a wonderful person. Always remember that God has bigger and better plans for Matt. If you ever need help with the girls, give me a call. God be with you and your family in this terrible time.

Mary Meyer

May 30, 2008

I am so sorry to hear of your loss. I worked with Matt at Southern Illinois Motorsports for a short time. He was tons of fun and always knew how to make us laugh. Prayers to the family during your time of loss.

Ashley Jansen

May 30, 2008

Dawn and family-
I have to tell ya, Matt was a favorite among all of us girls (and guys) at the hospital. I think I can speak for everyone at St. Joe's when I say that we will miss him and the family! He was always a bright spot in our day! Two of my favorite memories...1-Mia always trying to convince Matt that the average shoe size for a female is 6 and me arguing that its 9 1/2...I don't think he bought either one but would go along with us just to pass the time and 2- One day his mom was there and there was someone in the hallway for a different patient and they said "hey good looking!" Matt looked at his mom and said, "Hey Mom, someone out there is yelling for me!" I loved taking care of him, he was a favorite and I will definately miss him as well as you and all of the family...esp my buddy Sydney!!! He was a pleasure to take care of, that's for sure, he always made me smile!
Deepest sympathy,
Ashley, RN

Sheila, Jim, Bradley, & Dylan Gogue

May 30, 2008

Dawn and Family,

I'm so sorry to hear of your loss. I know that nothing I say will ease your pain right now, but please know that you're in our prayers and thoughts. *HUGS*

Kathryn Jenkel

May 30, 2008

Dear Dawn and Family,
We were saddened to hear about the passing of Matt. Our thoughts are with you and your loved ones during this difficult time of loss. We enjoyed getting a chance to meet Matt and his Family during Matt's stay at Herrin Rehab Hospital. We will always remember enjoying chocolate bars with Matt and Sydney. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
The Herschel Jenkel Family

Dana Heine

May 30, 2008

Dawn,
I am so sorry to hear of Matt's passing. We will continue to keep you in our prayers.

Pat Crumbey

May 30, 2008

I am sorry to hear of your loss. Cherish your memories and he will always be there. Let God comfort you, and He will. Know that someday you will see him again. Hold tight to God.

Ronnie & Kim Higgerson

May 29, 2008

Dawn & Family,
We are so sorry for your loss, May the memories you have fill your heart with joy in the days to come.May God Bless be with you and your family during this most difficult time.

Christy, Chip, Claire, Carter, and Cooper Wasson

May 29, 2008

Dawn and family,

I know there are no words that can give you comfort in this time of sorrow. Let the memories that make tears fall now, make smiles and happiness in the days, months and years to come. GOD BLESS!!

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