The News Gazette, Bayard, Iowa, June 23, 2005

Funeral services for Matthew Smith, 19, of Bayard were held June 22 in the United Methodist Church in Bayard. Rev. John Kult and Rev. Melba Smith, pastor of Dovray/Garvin Parish in Dovray, MN, officiated the service. Interment was in Willow Township Cemetery near Bayard.

Matthew Lynn, son of Lynn Murray and Debra Lea Tague Smith, was born July 22, 1985, in Jefferson. He grew up on a farm southeast of Bayard and attended Coon Rapids-Bayard Schools.

Matthew enjoyed participating in sports. He was active in little league baseball, basketball, track and football in junior high. He participated in basketball and football in high school. He was a fan of the Chicago Bears and NASCAR, an avid fisherman and deer hunter, and enjoyed playing golf. Matthew grew up riding in the tractor. He rarely missed attending the Iowa State Fair with his grandparents.

Matthew was a hard worker and a natural mechanic. He worked on the Gary Fell farm for several years. He was currently employed as a maintenance worker at Tyson Foods in Perry.

In the early hours of Sunday, June 19, 2005, Matthew died as a result of a motor vehicle accident east of Coon Rapids. He was 19 years of age.

Matthew always took time to visit with everyone and was there when someone needed help. He will be missed by many for his passion for life and his great sense of humor.

Matthew was preceded in death by his twin brother, Joshua Lee, shortly after their births in 1985; grandfather Larry Smith; uncle Gene Smith; great-grandparents: Richard Huffaker, Alvin Smith and Gerry and Leona Eischeid.

Matthew is survived by his parents, Lynn and Deb Smith of Bayard; brother Collin Smith of Bayard; grandparents: Donald and Nancy Tague of rural Bayard and Marietta and Donny Worshek of Bayard; great grandparents: Ada Huffaker, Ruby Smith, and Norman and Lois Raner, all of Bayard; many aunts and uncles; other relatives and friends.

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