Matthew E. Gibbs

Matthew E. Gibbs, age 26, of Monmouth, passed away at 10:00 p.m., Wednesday, June 29, 2011 at the OSF St. Francis Medical Center in Peoria, Ill. He was born on April 12, 1985 in Galesburg, Ill., he is the son of William E. and Kimberly L. Shawler Gibbs. Matt was reared and educated in Monmouth and graduated from Monmouth High School in 2003. In high school Matt was on the football and wrestling teams. He earned his wrestling pin, and went to Regional and State Championship meets 3 years in a row. He was also a member of the show choir. He also enjoyed baseball and played lions league when he was younger. He married Jenifer Smith on March 11, 2006 in Monmouth, Ill. Matt worked on the bacon line at Farmland Foods in Monmouth. He loved life, he enjoyed fishing, going scrapping, driving in demo derby's, his tattoos, spending time with family and friends, and especially his dogs Aboo and Raja. Matt is survived by his parents, William Gibbs (Kimberly) of Monmouth, his siblings Jamie Shawler (Felicia), Brandie Palmer, Marcus Gibbs, and Nathan Gibbs. His grandparents; Alice Gibbs of Galesburg, Ill., and Don Shawler (Sharon) of Rocky Mount, Mo. Uncles; Don Shawler Jr. (Brandie) and Marty Shawler (Terry), Oj Gibb (Rose), and Kenneth Gibbs III. Also surviving is one aunt Nellie Gibbs, nephews and nieces; Alex Sage (Annie) Sage, JJ Albert, Jasmine Ewald, Jayden Gibbs, and Elle Shawler. Also surviving are his "Brothers with different Mothers" a phrase he said with his best friends Eric Liniger, Gary Renwick, Robert Cook, and Micheal Peterson. He was preceded in death by his sister Lynlee Gibbs. Services:A funeral service will be at 10:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 6, 2011 at Turnbull Funeral Home in Monmouth. Interment will be in Monmouth Cemetery. His family will be present Tuesday evening from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. to receive friends at Turnbulls. A memorial fund has been established for animal rescue.