Matthew Izard

Matthew Todd Izard, 35 passed away Thursday morning, Jun 14, 2018. Matthew was full of life and love, passionate about his family and friends. He always had a smile on his face and made all he came in contact with feel welcome. Family was everything to him. He built sand castles for his niece Aria on the family vacation, just so she could destroy them. His nieces and nephew meant the world to him. He was a loyal and devoted friend to many.  He was loved by so many, and touched people’s lives in a positive way.  He had a huge heart and would do anything for anyone who needed help. He enjoyed playing soccer with his brother, sister and friends. He was proud of being a lifeguard and worked as one for several years. He loved the beach and was a great swimmer and he enjoyed being in the water, whether in the ocean on family vacations, or at the family pool, playing had having water gun fights with his nephew and nieces. He loved the outdoors, camping, and kayaking on the family vacations. One of his favorite pastimes was playing softball in the men’s slow pitch league with his father, brother, friends and co-workers, which he did for 20 years. He had a love for all kinds of music and enjoyed singing along, (even though he couldn’t sing) and dancing his “goofy” dance to the music. He frequently helped his father on holidays, delivering flowers for his father’s shop.  He would come in the door bouncing with a smile on his face, giving his great Aunt Sharon a hug and a kiss and talking about all the people he would make happy that day with the delivery of flowers.He was currently employed by Fast Eddie’s Bon Air where he worked alongside his older brother as a bartender and his sister for many years. Matthew always liked to joke with his brother, and he had a favorite saying; Matthew often said at work, “he got all the talent, but I got all the looks, right?” According to his brother, Matthew got all the looks and most of the talent. He graduated from Alton High School in 2001 and attended SIUE and Lewis and Clark Community College studying business.Born on January 12, 1983 in Alton, Illinois, he is survived by  his parents, Jeffrey and Kimberly Izard, a brother Chad Izard, a sister Chelsey Izard, sister in-law Jen Giddens, nephew Aydan Rader, and two nieces Madison Rader and Aria Izard; also surviving is his dear friend and cousin, Hope Izard. Surviving are a Grandfather and Grandmother and many Great Aunts and Uncles, Aunts, Uncles and cousins. Private services were held June 18, 2018 at Elias, Kallal and Schaaf Funeral Home in Alton, Illinois. A Celebration of Life will be held at a future date to honor Matthew’s life. Donations can be made to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, https://afsp.org or foundations of choice for the treatment of depression and suicide.  Staten – Fine Funeral Home in Alton is in charge of arrangements. Online Condolences may be made at www.staten –fine.com

Obit Provided By:
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home