Matthew Curtiss Kossen

Surrounded by family, Matthew Curtiss Kossen, 48, of Collierville, Tennessee, peacefully passed away on October 22, 2026. Larger than life in both personality and heart, Big Matt’s presence will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved him.

Born on August 22, 1978, in Springfield, Missouri, Matt was the son of Ruth Ann and the late Pieter Kossen. He had an independent spirit and a unique way of keeping life interesting. He deeply loved and appreciated his parents. As the years went on, Matt came to understand and value all they had given him—their love, guidance, patience, and the opportunities they provided. Matt carried those lessons with him throughout his life, becoming someone who was always willing to lend a hand, solve a problem, or show up whenever he was needed.

Matt leaves behind Allison, the love of his life and his partner of 20 years through life’s greatest adventures and toughest battles. Their love story was marked by spontaneity, laughter, devotion, and a bond that could withstand just about anything. In true Big Matt fashion, their journey together began with a spontaneous elopement to a little chapel in North Shelby County. No elaborate plans were needed; it was just two people choosing each other for better or worse, in sickness and in health.

He was a proud and loving father to his four sons: Hunter Smith (Abbi), Landon Smith, Wesley Kossen (Georgia Grisham), and Sawyer Kossen. Matt never believed that family had to be defined by blood; he loved without conditions or distinctions. He loved them all with his whole heart.

Matt was also a fiercely proud grandfather to Tucker Smith and Blakely Kossen, who brought him immeasurable joy. This was a new role for him, and he soaked up every moment he could.

Matt is survived and dearly remembered by his sister, Amy Smith (Chris); his brother, Joe Kossen (Jennifer); and his beloved nephews, Case Smith and Henry Kossen. The three siblings shared an unusually deep bond from birth, fiercely loyal to one another and always ready to defend each other. That same passion could occasionally turn to frustration—and those who know them well know exactly what that means! But those moments never lasted. Love always prevailed. Though very different, they leaned on each other's unique superpowers and were stronger together. Chris became part of that special bond when he met Matt, who was just 15 at the time, and their friendship grew into a lifelong brotherhood.

Matt also leaves behind Bubba Thomas, his very best friend. Together through thick and thin, their iconic alliance produced more stories than one could ever imagine. There is no doubt more tales exist but remain untold. Matt loved Bubba and was so proud of all he had accomplished. There will never be another bond like the one they shared.

A highly skilled machinist, Matt dedicated two decades of his life to the Canadian National Railway. His remarkable talent for working with his hands extended far beyond his career. Whether he was on the job, under the hood of an old Chevy, or spending time in the shop with the boys, Matt was happiest when he was building, fixing, or figuring something out. If something was broken, he figured out a way to fix it. He took immense pride in his work and in passing along the knowledge he had gained over the years. He treasured his time at the shop with the boys.

Matt woke up every single day smiling and singing a new song. He sometimes sang the wrong words, but they always rhymed. Matt had an undeniable passion for old Chevys, Harley-Davidson motorcycles, mud, the freedom of the open road, and just about anything with a motor that slung dirt and made a little noise.

He appreciated life’s simple pleasures: good company, laughter, and especially good food. Matt was never one to turn down a great meal, and if there was a buffet nearby, he was eager to offer a review. To him, there was always room for one more plate at the table.

What truly made Matt unforgettable wasn’t his love of loud motors, good food, or adventure. It was his incredible heart. Matt would give someone his last dollar without a second thought. He loved fiercely, helped freely, and had an innate way of making strangers feel like family. He could be tough, funny, larger than life, and tenderhearted all at once. There was only one Big Matt, and anyone who knew him understood exactly what that meant.

Life handed Matt battles that most people could never imagine, but he faced them with unparalleled strength and perseverance. He was never afraid to speak his mind, test the limits, or take the road less traveled.

Though forty-eight years could never be enough, his family finds deep comfort in knowing that Matt is whole again in Heaven. His body is healed, his strength is fully restored, and his sight has returned. He can now truly watch his children and grandchildren grow up.

He is backfiring his truck with Grandpa Binkley once again and scarfing down Grandma Binkley’s sausage gravy on toast! He’s enjoying Grandma Kossen’s fried chicken with his dad, wearing his signature overalls, singing his songs, and making Heaven just a little bit louder as he rides his bike alongside Cousin David.

Some men are remembered, but others become true legends. Matt is both. His stories will be told, his laughter will echo, and his massive spirit will continue to live on in everyone who loved him. Whenever an old Chevy backfires, you hear a Harley start up, or you wake up singing a new song, smile and know that a little piece of Matt is still here.

The family requests that memorial donations be made in Matt’s honor to Wyatt’s Rides, an organization that was dear to his heart: https://wyattsrides.com/donate-today

Visitation will be held on Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Collierville Funeral Home, 3863 Bailey Station Road, Collierville, TN 38017. The service will follow.

Burial will take place at Magnolia Cemetery, 435 South Mt. Pleasant Road, Collierville, TN 38017.