Matthew James Dean Jennings

Matthew James Dean Jennings, age 33, passed away unexpectedly April 17, 2025, after a long battle with mental health and substance use challenges. Born on June 12, 1991, at Providence Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas, Matthew brought light and laughter into the world from the very beginning. As a child, he was goofy, playful, and full of energy—a spark that warmed the hearts of those around him.

Though his life later became shaped by struggles that were often invisible to others, his story is one of both joy and hardship, and his memory deserves to be held with love, honesty, and compassion. He enjoyed fishing, had dreams of taking his kids camping, and shared a deep love of cars passed down from his dad. Matthew had a gift for sports stats and could break down a game like no one else. And no matter what he was going through, Matthew always let us know how much he loved us.

Matthew is survived by his three beloved children—Karter (16), Claire (14), and Kendall (12)—who were the brightest parts of his world. He is also survived by his mother, Julie Sisk; his sisters, Diana (Brian) Schwien and Michelle (Robert) Sirett; and his niece, Skyla, and nephews, Gavin and Roman.

He was preceded in death by his father, Barry Jennings, and his stepfather, Keith Sisk.

A memorial service will be held May 17, 2025 at 3:00 at Heartland Baptist Fellowship in Harrisonville, Missouri (21203 E 283 rd St). Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance, reflection, and love.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to a fund established for his children to assist in the support of their futures (Venmo @Diana-Schwien). “It’s so much darker when a light goes out than it would have been if it had never shone.”

— John Steinbeck

In honoring Matthew’s life, we also hold space for the many others walking similar paths. May his story remind us of the importance of kindness, connection, and support—for ourselves and each other.