Matthew John Benda, 38, of Merriam Woods, Missouri.

Matthew John Benda, 38, of Merriam Woods, Missouri went to rest in the arms of Jesus on Thursday, November 11, 2021 in Cox South Hospital, Springfield, Missouri. A Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, November 19, 2021  Visitation will be from 10:00 -11:00 A.M. followed by memorial service at 11:00 in the Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home, Forsyth, Missouri.  Burial will follow at Snapp Cemetery, Forsyth, Missouri.

Matthew was born on Tuesday, August 2, 1983 at the University Hospital in Iowa City, Iowa. On October 4, 1983 Matthew joined the family of Floyd and Sara (McWilliams) Benda first as a special needs foster child and later adopted to be a part of the family as a son who was truly a gift from God. Matthew attended school in Muscatine, Iowa from 1987-2001.  When the family moved to Missouri, he received his G.E.D, from Branson in 2002.  He then went on to attend Ozark Technical College from 2002-2005 receiving an Associate Degree in Business and Marketing.

In spite of being visually challenged, Matthew enjoyed spending his days playing video games both on his gaming consoles and computer.  He especially enjoyed playing online with friends helping them with their games and sharing his faith.

Matthew believed in Jesus Christ as his Savior and though in later years physical challenges confined him to home, he attended church through Bloom Online Services.

He was always a strong-willed child, always knew what he wanted and never let obstacles get in the way.  He was honest and always spoke his mind.  He did have a sense of humor.

He is survived by his parents, Floyd and Sara Benda, of Merriam Woods; sisters, Shannon Peterson and husband, Kurt and Jennifer Wheeler and husband, Rob; five nephews, one niece and one grandmother.

Three grandfathers and two grandmothers preceded him in death.

In lieu of flowers, family is requesting memorial gifts to Bloom Beyond.  Bloom Beyond is an outreach of Bloom Church, Branson to foster and adoptive parents of Stone and Taney Counties.

Arrangements are under the direction of the Kissee-Schofield-Eakins Funeral Home, Forsyth, MO.