Matthew Ray Garvin, 55, passed away as the result of a brain hemorrhage on Tuesday, November 27, 2018, at St. Louis University Hospital in St. Louis, Missouri, surrounded by family. He was born April 11, 1963, in Alton, the son of the late Clyde H. and Mary L. (Hewlett) Garvin. He married the former Lori DeWerff on November 7, 1987, and she survives. Matt was a passionate man fueled by a love of Rock N Roll and family. He was always exceptional at entertaining a crowd with his music, stories, and sense of humor. Survivors include his six children: Erica (Garvin) Paulfrey and Curtis Paulfrey of Wood River, Marcus Garvin and Bailie (Secor) Garvin of Roxana, Hannah Garvin and Siegfried Van Der Wee of Montreal, Sarah Garvin and Dustin Parker of East Alton, Lukus Garvin of Montreal, and Alyssa Garvin-Reilly of Roxana; six grandchildren: Ethan Paulfrey, Emilia Paulfrey, Callie-Anne Parker, Dayton Parker, Ariana Van Der Wee, and Erinne Van Der Wee. He is also survived by one brother: Lance Garvin of Shiloh, and four sisters: Lee Anna Alvey and Elton Alvey of O’Fallon, Rebecca Robinson of Shiloh, Cynthia and Larry Robinson of Shiloh, Veda and Paul Traw of Troy, as well as many nieces and nephews.
His family, faced with the difficult circumstances of his diagnosis thought it best to help others and donate his healthy organs to those in need who have been waiting for a transplant. His life was cut short far too soon, but amidst this tragedy there is some comfort in knowing that with his gifts, he is able to improve the lives of others.
In accordance with his wishes, cremation rites will be accorded. In celebration of his life, a memorial visitation will take place on Monday, December 3, 2018 from 5pm to 7pm at Pitchford Funeral Home in Wood River.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the family in care of Erica Paulfrey and will be accepted at the funeral home.
Online guestbook available at www.pitchfordfuneralhome.com.
