Matthew Brent Lawson was a loving husband, father, brother, son and friend. With no prior warning, Matt passed away, at the age of 49, on Saturday September 7, 2024, at home in Clinton, Missouri.
Matt was born in Clinton, MO on November 30, 1974, to Michael and Martha Lawson, He was a beloved figure in his community and known for his adventurous spirit, humor and deep commitment to his family. Matt will be leaving behind a legacy of love and many cherished memories.
Matt graduated from Clinton High School in 1993, before earning a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science with a minor in Business Ag from the University of Missouri on December 18, 1997. Immediately following graduation Matt started his career in January 1998 with CNH Capital, Case IH and New Holland, where he was not only respected and well-liked, but will be deeply missed for his knowledge, friendships, problem solving, and unique sense of humor. Matt earned many honors and awards throughout his life, but the most remembered will be when he was honored with the Missouri Medal of Valor for his courage and heroism. He was also dedicated to working with veterans and first responders to return to service.
Matt married his best friend Jenni on July 23, 2022. The last couple years the joy in his life was spending time with his best friend Jenni traveling, camping, kayaking, riding horses and creating new adventures. The two of them were truly inseparable and had the utmost respect for one another. A man of faith, Matt was an active member of the Calvary Chapel Church. His devotion was evident in his participation and service within the church community.
Matt’s life was marked by his love for the outdoors, particularly working with horses, breeding, roping, hunting, fishing, and hiking. Matt and wife Jenni worked beside his family’s business breeding horses along with being a member of the AQHA.
A dedicated family man, Matt is survived by wife, Jennifer Upenieks; his son Hayden (wife Sidney) Lawson; his daughter Riley Lawson; and stepchildren, Brooke and Luke Moore; parents, Michael and Martha Lawson; his brother, Mitchel (wife Angie) and niece Chloe; and sister, Melinda Barela; his paternal grandmother Mary; as well as many aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends. Along with Jenni’s family; parents Imants & Dixie Upenieks, siblings Steve (wife Kerrie) Upenieks, Valerie Duning (Husband Andre), and Jeremy Upenieks.
He was preceded in death by his paternal grandfather, Robert Lawson; maternal grandparents, Dwight and Ruby Cox; and aunts and uncles, Donna Flippen, Rebecca Lawson, and Brian Lawson.
Matthew’s memories will live on through countless lives he touched, and his spirit will remain forever in the hearts of his wife, family and friends.
Funeral services were held September 24, 2024 at Calvary Chapel Church, Clinton, MO. with Pastor Dana Borglum officiating. Hayden Lawson and Luke Moore were honorary casket bearers.
Services were under the direction of Vansant-Mills Funeral Home of Clinton, MO.
