On Thursday, February 13, 2020, Steven (Matt) Matthew McDannold, loving husband and father of two children, passed away at the age of 43. 

Matt was born on January 24, 1977 in Mexico, MO to Steven and Marti McDannold.  A graduate of Mexico Senior High School, Matt went on to receive his Bachelor’s degree from the University of Central Missouri and his Master’s and Education Specialist in Administration degrees from Williams Woods University.  On July 12, 2008, he married Holly Haxel-McDannold.  Matt and Holly created two beautiful children, Nash and Nora McDannold.

Being a father to Nash and Nora was one of Matt’s greatest joys and accomplishments in life.  The connection and love between Matt and his family was undeniable and when he held his children, you could see the elation in his face.  Matt would share his love of music and nature with his children and wanted nothing more than to see smiles on their faces.  When you spoke with him, Matt’s sense of pride in his children was immeasurable.   

In addition to his family, Matt had two great passions in his life – education and being an outdoorsman.  Matt devoted his professional life to educating young minds and advanced himself to several leadership roles in education administration.  His students admired him and regularly sought after his compassionate guidance.  Even up to the very last day of his life, Matt’s students were still thinking about him and bringing him care packages.  Matt felt most at home in the woods or wading in a stream with a fishing pole in hand.  His hobbies revolved around outdoor activities such as boating, hiking in the woods, hunting and fishing.  In fact, if you were ever lucky enough to witness Matt standing the middle of trout stream with a fishing line in the water, you instantly felt the connection and knew Matt was where he was meant to be.  Known for his quick wit and ability to make friends with almost anyone, Matt was never short on a friendly joke or too busy to make good conversation with friends.  He had a smile and a way about him that seemed to put everyone at ease – and a laugh that was simply contagious. 

Matt is survived by his wife Holly, his two children Nash and Nora, father Steve, mother Marti, brother Ryan and sister-in-law Keely with niece Amayiah, Aunts and Uncles Diana (Fred) McDannold Norman and Phillip (Zela) Crawford. He is also survived by nieces and nephews Jackson and Lilli Jazwinski, Wyatt and Scarlett Haxel, numerous cousins, in-laws, and friends.

A celebration of Matt’s life will be held at a future date. Information to follow in the coming weeks.