Matthew Downing - Site Memorial Online

I send my heartfelt prayers & condolences to all of Matt's family & friends.

He has touched many, many people, throughout his life here on earth!

What a great gift from God, Matt was to everyone! The last thing I heard from Matt the other day (after sharing an unfortunate experience with him & others), was "sometime's we go through great pains before we see the miracles that God has in store for us. We could never plan what God has in store for us overselves!" 

Well there was a time that his gregarious personality and constant laughter would really bother me. Mainly due to the fact that there was nothing remotely funny about my life at that time. Yet he showed me that I didn't have to take myself so seriously. Lord knows he didn't. He showed me that it was okay to have faith in God and to pray. He taught me so many life lessons and reminded me that everything would be okay. The most important things to him in life were his family. My thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. He will be missed but he will live on in our memories forever. It was an honor to call you friend Matt.

Matt, you were definitely a joy to know! Your laugh and great hugs will be missed and so much more!! My prayers go out to family and friends.. You are etched in my heart and you will always be with me in spirit.  I hope to be half the person you were, Matt..God bless you., Matt

Matt was my cousin, and I loved him very much...he will be so missed by us all. I have many memories of seeing him while growing up, always full of spirit and fun-loving energy, and always with a charismatic and genuine smile on his face. I have a recent memory, and feel blessed that I was able to see him a few years ago in Peoria on a trip to visit my family. I had recently survived a serious illness, and I remember on this special afternoon, which happened to be the 4th of July, we had a long conversation alone on the front porch of his parents home. He was SO kind, supportive and caring on that day, as he always was...wanting to hear my story and telling me how happy he was that I was able to be there with everyone...sharing his smile and honesty in his open and gifted way. It meant a tremendous amount to me at the time, and I am filled with much emotion when I think of it now. I send all of my love, prayers and thoughts to his siblings, parents, extended family and friends who are feeling such a great and painful loss with his unexpected passing. I am there with you all in my heart... With much love, Cybele

Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Downing family. Matt's smile will always be a pleasant memory to me. He touched my life and because of that I am blessed forever. R.I.P. my friend.