Matthew Paul Stow

Matthew Paul Stow, age 32 of Mishawaka, passed away with his loving wife by his side at the Center for Hospice, Esther House on April 3, 2024. Matt was born September 29, 1991, in Elkhart, Indiana.  He attended Constantine High School and later worked with Forest River as a materials handler for several years.  On September 9, 2023, he married Rebecca Whitten in Mishawaka.

Matt is survived by his wife, Rebecca Whitten-Stow and their children Bailee, Luke, Ethan, Landon, Paislee, Gunner, Jensyn, Brexley and Noah. Surviving as well is his mother Sandy (Russ) Stow, his grandparents Marlen and Barbara Osborn and Ronald and Linda Frye, his siblings Christa Stow, Stephanie (Brandtley) Miller, Melissa (Ryan) Miller, and his stepsiblings Tara Davis, Kerry (Jeff) Pratt, and Bryan (Nichole) Davis, his brother-in-law Will Whitten, as well as his sisters-in-law Casey (Meier) Krumlauff and Caylee Bennett. Matt is also survived by his stepmother Tina (Jim) Brown and several nieces and nephews.  His father, Kenneth Stow preceded him in death.

Following Matt’s wishes, cremation will take place and a celebration of his life will be held at a later date.  Wells and Cruz (formerly Goethals and Wells) Family Funeral Home is assisting with his arrangements.

Matt was an avid outdoorsman, and loved to spend time hunting and fishing, riding dirt bikes and four-wheelers. He was an excellent shot, always enjoying a good day at the target range as a proud member of the NRA. When he wasn't hitting targets, he was under the hood of a car, fixing and tinkering away. Motorcycles were another passion of his. He loved the feeling of freedom that came with riding alongside his brother Will, the wind in his face and the open road ahead. When he wasn't out riding, you could find him watching classic westerns and cheering on his heroes like Clint Eastwood and John Wayne.

More than anything else, Matt was a dad through and through. He adored his kids and would do anything to make them smile. He had a devilish grin and mischievous streak, always up for a laugh and pulling pranks whenever he could. Matt was also incredibly caring, especially towards his siblings, and he was always there to lend a hand without expecting anything in return.

Matt also supported our veterans, participating in numerous Wounded Warrior Challenges, earning himself several shirts through his participation. He believed strongly in giving back and supporting those who had served their country. And he had a soft spot for animals, often taking in strays and giving them a loving home.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project or the ASPCA. To light a virtual candle, share a story of Matt’s life, or leave a message of comfort for Becca and the family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.