Matthew "Matt" George Hebbert

Matthew “Matt” George Hebbert passed away on November 9, 2025, in Casper, Wyoming, at the age of 64. On Wednesday, November 12 th, a public viewing will begin at 3:00 p.m., followed by a service of music and prayer at 4:00 p.m. at Highland Park Community Church in Casper. A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday, November 16 th, at 2:00 p.m. at Salem Congregational Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Sympathies may be sent to Highland Park Community Church, and a memorial fund has been

established, with proceeds to be donated to Theater West in Scottsbluff, Nebraska. Fond memories and condolences may be left at www.geringchapel.com. Gering Memorial Chapel is assisting with the services.

Matt was born on March 8, 1961, to Paul Duane and Margaret Ann (Veatch) Hebbert in Casper, Wyoming. In his early years, the family (his parents, older brother Tim, and younger sister Fritz) moved

to numerous towns, including Thermopolis, WY, and Revenna and Columbus, NE, following Pastor Paul’s calling to new churches. When Matt was 12, the family settled in Gering, Nebraska, and soon his Dad began a long family ministry at Gering Zion Church.

Music ministry played a central role for the Hebberts. At the age of 10, Matt began singing gospel music with his family, traveling to perform at venues throughout the mid-Plains. Matt truly believed that having a close family, the love of God, and the vocal teachings of Margaret Ann were among the greatest treasures he received in his upbringing. In his early teen years, he deeply valued the time he spent with his grandpa on the farm in the Sandhills of Nebraska.

Matt graduated from Gering High School in 1979. His many activities included wrestling – proudly wrestling during the Chuck Deter Dynasty at Gering High School – and music. His stories of the early days of Harmony and the antics of high school musicals, particularly as Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof, were among his favorites. Vocal Director Duane Stukesbary deserved sainthood from Matt’s perspective.

Matt received his bachelor's degree in education from Chadron State College. Following graduation, he began a 40-year vocal teaching career, spanning multiple school districts in Nebraska and Wyoming. His talent and deep love for music was used to inspire students in Harrisburg, Torrington, Scottsbluff, Mitchell, Wheatland, Guernsey, and more. Having the ability to connect, mentor, and encourage his students was one of the many ways he left a lasting legacy.

His love and support for the arts continued when he began performing at Theater West in Scottsbluff, NE. Matt appeared in multiple shows and events beginning in 1990 and stepping onto the stage for one final time at the annual Chocolate Fundraiser in 2024. His signature roles include a reprise of his favorite character, Tevye from Fiddler on the Roof, Pap Finn from Big River, Alfred Doolittle from My Fair Lady, Jim Haller in All Shook Up, Javert from Les Misérables, and Songs for a New World. Matt was not only a gifted performer but also played a key role in countless productions as an audio engineer.

In 2017, a stroke created a new challenge for Matt in losing his ability to play the many instruments he loved. Fortunately, at that time, he was given the opportunity to fulfill what he believed was a lifelong calling and took the pulpit at Salem Congregational Church, where he continued to share his vibrant style through teaching, music, and sharing the gospel.

Matt was very proud to have recently celebrated 24 years of sobriety, knowing that without the fellowship of the recovery community, he would not have been able to do it alone.

Matt is survived by his wife Pam, of 21 years; his children Alesa Deter and husband Geoff of Falls Church, VA; Morgan Dailey, husband Rich, and their three boys James, Drew, and Ben of Casper, Wy; Ty Hebbert and his wife Bri of Casper, WY; Micah Hebbert of Casper, WY; Coulter Maestas, husband Matt and their two children Nolan and Emily of Torrington, WY; and Cassidy Cooper and her partner Esau Torres of Manhattan, New York. His brother Tim Hebbert and his wife Sandy, sister Fritz Marietta and her husband Paul. Beloved nieces and nephews, Courtney and Charlie Bell and family; Caleb and Emily Hebbert and family, Mitchell Marietta; and Jacey and Jeremy Orescanin and family. Matt’s older children’s mother, Yvonne Smith, and her husband, Paul; his brother and sisters-in-law; Marty Leuthaeuser, Diane Leuthaeuser, Jan Leslie, and their families; Steve and Bev Hebbert and their family, Randy Hebbert, and a legacy of students, colleagues, congregants, and fellow thespians with whom he was privileged to share his passion.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Paul and Margaret Hebbert. Brother and sister, Ty and Kathleen Hebbert; parents-in-law, Les and Skip Leuthaeuser; Uncle and Aunt, George and Bev Hebbert, and his Paternal and Maternal grandparents.