Matt Felts

Matthew Kenneth Felts, 23, of Edwardsville, formerly of Springfield, died at 10:12 p.m. on Wednesday, December 5, 2012 at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis following a life long struggle with a heart related condition. He was also a recipient of a heart transplant in 2006.

Matt was born January 30, 1989 in Springfield, the son of Jerry and Rhonda Felts. He was engaged to be married to Christine Miller.

Matt was a 2007 graduate of Rochester High School and was scheduled to graduate from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville with a Bachelor's of Arts in Psychology. He was a cook at Buffalo Wild Wings and enjoyed soccer, hanging out with friends and family, and vacations to the Current River, and Hawaii. Matt was a happy, fun-loving, sarcastic man with a great sense of humor. He was very proud of his relationships with his family, friends, and fianc, Chrissy.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Earl Felts; and one uncle, Jack Felts.

He is survived by his parents, Jerry and Rhonda Felts of Springfield; one sister, Heather (husband, Jeffry) Henschel of Springfield; fiance, Christine Miller of Springfield; paternal grandmother, Hazel Felts; maternal grandfather, Donald Charles; maternal grandmother, Ellen (husband, Richard) Lawson; and several aunts, uncles and cousins.

Cremation will be accorded by Butler Cremation Tribute Center prior to ceremonies.

Memorial Gathering: Family will receive friends from 4:00-7:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, 900 S. 6th St., Springfield.

Memorial Ceremony: 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, December 13, 2012 at Kirlin-Egan & Butler Funeral Home, with his lifelong friend, Zachary Ziaja officiating. Inurnment will be held at Roselawn Memorial Park.

Memorial contributions may be made to: Make-A-Wish Foundation of Illinois, 640 N. LaSalle, Suite 280, Chicago, IL 60610 or Gift of Hope Organ & Tissue Donor Network, Attn: Gwendolyn Blakemore, 425 Spring Lake Dr., Itasca, IL 60143.