Mike was an exceptional person who was my best friend for over 40 years. 
I have deep personal memories that are funny, touching, and show he had a heart that was as big as he was. I will miss him dearly. 
Toasting you, Mike with a glass of Armagnac, a (rare) ribeye steak and watching one of our favorite Broadway shows. 
My Deepest sympathy to Pam, Joey, Katie, the Matheny relatives, and all those who know and loved Michael.

Michael Kevin was one of the most doted on and loved little boys that ever a mom and dad had. Uncle Jerry and Aunt Shirley loved him so much! And he was as devoted as a son could be. 
I babysat for him when he was little, so we were pals. When he was about four, he wanted a log cabin for Christmas. He went to visit Santa who told him that a log cabin was too big for Santa to bring. He left Santa's knee and said, "Bob bam Santa" (an expletive that was very unusual to hear in one so little, then; it wasn't sure how he learned it, as all of the adults denied being the tutor, but it would not be forgotten!) (He got the log cabin, which stood in his back yard for years.)
He was a loving, generous and humble man, who loved with all of his heart. Pam was the love of his life, and he sparkled when he spoke of her. 
I can't wrap my brain around his loss. He will be so missed. So sorry, Pam, (and all who loved Mike) that you have to go through this. This is sadness. 

Oh Boy, my heart is so, so heavy.  
Mike Matheny was my husband Brett's best friend, so when Brett and I got married several years ago, Mike became my "Brother-in-Law".  
Mike was one of the sweetest guys I ever met.  I will miss those bear hugs, that sheepish grin, and that adorable laugh.  We would talk about musicals and politics for hours and hours.  I will miss those conversations.   
I have so many memories of the good times that Mike, Brett and I shared--memories that grew and flourished even more when "Sister-in-Law/Auntie" Pam joined the family.  So many of those memories evolved around our daughter, Kelley.     
Mike doted on Kelley from the day she was born.  No one could tell Mike that Kelley was not his niece.  She meant the world to him.  I chuckle as I remember how Mike hated the name "Michael", but loved it when Kelley called him "Michael, Michael" (hilarious…still).  
My Dear, dear Mike:  
My goodness, I will miss you tremendously.  You will always have a place in my heart and a seat at my table:  
"Oh, my friends!  My friends, don't ask me what your sacrifice was for!  Empty chairs at empty tables, where my friends shall sing no more."
		--Marius (Empty Chairs at Empty Tables) Les Miserables 
 
I send you hugs and I toast you with a glass of Drambuie.  
Natalie Smith 

Oh my where to start. I met mike 14+ years ago during my medic class, after becoming a medic with his guidance, I decided I wanted to be like him an instructor. Then I quickly realized I would never be as good as mike but I tell you, sharing an office with him for so long and just becoming friends he changed me for the better, he was always encouraging me and telling me I could do it and to trust my gut. I had to stare at his books for many years thinking how does one man read this much hahaha, and then I would get to watch his super hero screen saver and realize that even though he was a few years older than me he was still a kid. He talked everyday about you Pam and the kids and how he felt blessed to be able to have you all in his life. Life will never be the same for me and I know there is a major hole in yours as well know myself and so many students owe who we are today to Mike and we consider you all family. You need help it’s only a message, call or email away and we will be there. 

Mike and the Matheny family have always been an important part of my life and I will miss him dearly. We shared many highs and lows. He was a great friend and a great legacy of both of his parents.

Pam- You were something special to Mike. Before you met, I remember Mike always swearing away ever getting married. But once he met you, we were chatting and I commented to him something about whether he now understands the feelings from so many of the love songs in his favorite musicals. And he said that because of you, he did.

Brett Smith- I ache for you as I know how the two of you were the best of friends. Mike had such fun sharing the stories of your time in high school, college, and beyond. I'm so glad I've gotten to know you through the Mathenys.

Marc and Shelly- Your dedication to Mike, Shirley, and Jerry was so admirable. You are all a part of a wonderful family legacy and I wish you nothing but cherished memories.

Mike often commented how his father thought Les Mis should have had the bishop welcoming Valjean after his death. And I know it joyed Mike that was a change that occurred in the movie. I can only imagine Jerry and Shirley welcoming Mike, and the three of them finally reunited and rejoicing.

Mike- Thank you for being part of all our lives. "And remember the truth that once was spoken: To love another person is to see the face of god"

OBITUARY

Michael Kevin Matheny

9 June, 1963 – 26 July, 2020

Feeney-Hornak Shadeland Mortuary

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