On Monday, May 27th, 2024 Kenneth Neal Mattie passed away and we are confident that by Tuesday everyone in Heaven had sore cheeks from laughing at his jokes, that Jesus had already fired him from his carpentry position for Kenifying, because even though it was only his first day on the job he did know a better way (but don't fret, he quickly rebounded and is now cooking up his culinary creations for all), and that after joyously reuniting with his Grandma & Grandpa Mattie and Grandpa Quillen he is searching high and low for Chris Farley.

Kenny was born on July 16th, 1975.  He leaves behind his parents, Kenneth Samuel Mattie and Brenda Lee Mattie, sisters Jennifer (Adam) Gerdts & Krystal Olei, nephews Oliver Stillings, Benjamin "Ziggy" Gerdts, Jason Troha Jr., nieces Leana Stillings, Ella Gerdts, Audrey Gerdts, and Kinsley Troha, his grandma Roberta Quillen to whom he is known as Kenny Mattie her little Peppermint Patty, many cousins, and his longtime love & best friend Promise McClellan, and her kiddos Christina Farnsworth, Ashlei Farnsworth, and Samual Kahrig.  He was a friend to many and in addition to being Uncle Kenny to those already mentioned he was Uncle Kenny to many others as everyone's kids gravitated towards him…….mainly because he never grew up himself!!  If you don't have a Kenny Mattie story, that saddens us, because that can only mean that you have never met him.  Anyone that knew him has a Kenny Mattie story and we hope you will join us on Friday, May 31st  at Swigart-Easterling Funeral Home 624 E. Cherry St., Canal Fulton for his Calling Hours from 2-5 and for his Service that will be immediately following to share them with us to bring us joy through the pain.

Kenny's faith in God was strengthened by his time spent at the Haven of Rest while he struggled with alcoholism.  He was and we will be forever grateful to the Haven of Rest and we ask that in lieu of flowers you consider making a donation to the Haven of Rest, 175 E. Market St., Akron, OH  44309 or purchase a copy of his book, Spot the Super Dot……just kidding they are all sold out and if you own one (or one of his paintings) they are sure to become collector's items.

THE LEGACY OF LAUGHTER

Life handed him a few hard knocks;

sometimes his luck was bad.

He had the usual ups and downs

as most of us have had.

Grief had its day along his way,

great fortune passed him by,

but he always came out a winner

with a twinkle in his eye.

The legacy of laughter,

a gift from some forbear,

was all the weapon that he had

to fight life's pain and care.

But he kept his sense of humor,

and he laughed away the tears,

and he went on spreading chuckles

all around him down the years.

And I know I'll find him waiting,

when I join him by and by,

likely joshing with the angels,

with that twinkle in his eye.

Haven of Rest
175 E. Market St, Akron OH 44308