Matthew James Dickinson

People would always say Matt was bigger than life itself. Though he was a bear of a man, he was beloved for his loving heart and smile that lit up the world. Anyone privileged with meeting Matt instantly knew they were in the presence of someone special. He embodied the fullness of life and lived every day with contagious joy that uplifted those around him.

Matt was born in Omak, Washington, on February 1st, 1982. He loved being outside, spending his early years working in the orchards and helping his Grandpa raise ostriches. He was a member of 4H, where he competed and won numerous awards. In high school, Matt found his love for music by being a part of “The Music Company”. There isn’t a genre of music that Matt didn’t enjoy and appreciate. He played the bass and loved to sing.

During high school, Matt found his life’s passion in the fire service. His love for the community and serving others defined who Matt would become. After graduating, he became an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) at the young age of 18. In Washington, Matt served on the Okanogan and Malott volunteer fire departments. In 2018, he joined the Southern Webster Fire Protection District. Matt devoted his life to serving every local community he was a part of. He was a distinguished firefighter who proved time and time again how knowledgeable he was. This knowledge and expertise were surpassed only by his passion to love and serve others.

In 2016, Matt, Therrin, and their three girls moved to Seymour, Missouri. They had always dreamed of putting down roots and establishing themselves in a community; this new beginning was their dream come true. It is here in Seymour they found their true home.

Matt served on the fire department and drove school buses, quickly becoming a friend to young and old throughout the town. Most recently, he worked for the Webster County Road District. His beloved family’s crowning achievement has been the opening of their farm, Mean Greens Farm. With his larger-than-life personality, Matt has worn many hats in his community. He will be remembered for his fun-loving attitude, hard work, and huge heart.

Of all the hats Matt has worn, being a dad was the most important. Nothing mattered more than teaching his girls everything he knew, from farming to fixing cars. His parenting philosophy was to raise confident, independent girls who knew they were loved fiercely and understood the value of hard work. Anyone who knows Kinsi, Lexi and Kass can see that Matt far exceeded his goal. Matt married the love of his life, Therrin, on November 3, 2004. They spent 17 years loving each other and supporting one another to be their best selves as individuals and partners in life.

Matt is preceded in death by his Grandfather George O. Dickinson, his Grandmother Roberta M. Dickinson and his Grandfather Jim Corn. He is survived by his wife Therrin, his three daughters, Makinsi, Alexandria and Kassitie, his parents, one brother, his three Uncles: Terry (Sharma) Dickinson, Joe Dickinson, and Tom (Patti) Dickinson, his Aunt, Leah (Kevin) Dickinson, his Grandmother, Mickie (Don) Files, and many special people he considered friends, sisters and brothers.