Matthew Funk

Matthew was born on January 8, 1987, and was raised in South Carolina before moving to Arkansas, where he made his home. He attended Mountainburg High School and graduated from Alma High School, both in Arkansas.

He is survived by his mother, Esther Julianne McDaniel (Julianne Hyatt McDaniel) of Arkansas; his siblings, Kathryn Kennedy of Arkansas, Wren Story of New York, Michael Zogal of Maine, Thomas Zogal of Florida, Stephen Zogal of Texas, Karla Baars of Missouri, and Laura Mae Whalen of Tennessee; 18 nieces and nephews; and a large extended family who loved him dearly. Particularly Ben and Joan Funk of Pawling, NY. He was preceded in death by his four grandparents.

Matthew never married and had no children, but he had a remarkable ability to make people feel like family. Nobody was a stranger to Matthew. He was well known and deeply loved by everyone who had the privilege of knowing him.

For the past seven years, Matthew worked for Simmons Foods in Fort Smith, Arkansas. Outside of work, he enjoyed fishing, riding his moped, learning how to repair and improve his home, and spending time with his dogs. He also loved to travel and traveled throughout the United States, often taking the opportunity to visit family and extended family along the way. Wherever he traveled, he would seek out a church to attend.

But more than anything else, Matthew’s heart belonged to the Lord.

Matthew cared deeply about people and was never hesitant to share the Word of God with those he met. He attended Courage to Change Church in Fort Smith, where he celebrated victories, personal growth, and the work God was doing in his life.

His faith was strong and genuine. Matthew would often say, “I don’t know, but God can do anything,” followed by his big laugh and an even bigger smile. He could say it with confidence because he had already witnessed God do things he once thought were impossible.

Matthew believed in the biblical command to love and bless his enemies. He chose love and forgiveness rather than holding onto a wrong. His life demonstrated that forgiveness was not merely something he talked about, but something he was willing to live. In choosing to love and bless others, even when he had been hurt, Matthew reflected the faith that meant so much to him.

Matthew could laugh at the little things. He brought joy with him wherever he went. His willingness to love people, talk to anyone, share his faith, and treat strangers as friends was a gift that will not be forgotten.

Matthew’s life touched people across many places and many families. He leaves behind not only those who shared his family name, but countless people who were blessed simply because their paths crossed with his.

His family takes comfort in knowing that Matthew’s faith was real, his love for the Lord was strong, and his hope was in God.

Services will be announced at a later date.