Matt graduated from Ashland High School in 1992. Immediately following high school, he entered the U.S. Army and served as a combat engineer for four years. He worked at Pentair Water Inc. in Ashland, building industrial pumps for 23 years. He was an avid reader and especially liked the works of Clive Kussler. Matt enjoyed his privacy and was totally at peace when he could spend time alone outside in nature. He was adventurous and enjoyed fishing, camping, boating and vacationing in Fort Walton Beach, Florida on Crab Island. On February 23, 2017, he married his wonderful wife, Shawna M. Fitzpatrick, with whom he had shared his life since 2004. His most favorite activity was spending time with his family creating everlasting memories.
Matt is survived by his wife, Shawna LaRue; stepchildren, Clarissa Rigney, Codey (Josh) Burghard, and Kalie (Troy) Cranmore; step grandchildren, Neveah Garza, Manuel Garza, Paxton Burghard, Easton Burghard, Journee Cranmore and Jakoby Cranmore; parents, Clark and Patricia LaRue; father-in-law and mother-in-law, Harold and Jean Darr; brother, Nathan LaRue (Rachel Carter); sister, Anne (Mike) Barrett; brother-in-law, James (Bethany) Darr; sister-in-law, Tina (Eric) Chaffins; and nieces and nephews, Nolen, Nevin and Mylan LaRue, Carter, Nicholas and Vivianne Barrett, Olivia and Vidia Cairns-Darr, Brianna, Paige and Dylan Chaffins.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Comer and Nellie LaRue and Glenn and Pat Fowble; and father-in-law, James Fitzpatrick.
A celebration of Matt's extraordinary life will be celebrated at a later date. Matt's family will be setting up an account where memorial contributions may be made to help advance research in the fight against Glioblastoma Multiforme. The Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors is privileged to serve the family.
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