Matthew "Matt" E. Stokely

Matthew “Matt” E. Stokely, 61, of Elkhart, passed away Friday, February 1, 2019 at Elkhart Hospice House. He was born on October 20, 1957 to David Stokely and to the late Barbara A. (Brown) Green in Elkhart.

He is survived by his father, step mother, Doris Stickel, daughter, Melissa Stokely, brother, David (Jackie) Stokely, sister, Susan Chadwell, cousin/caregiver, Jenny Roberts, 3 grandchildren: Madison, Morgan, and Matthew, 2 nephews, Colin Stokely and Anthony Chadwell, and a niece, Adrianne Stokely.

He worked for B&B Organics as a truck driver. He additionally worked at WNIT, WSJV, WNDU, and was a reporter for the Elkhart Truth.

Matt was a man of many interests and talents. He loved photography, writing, fishing, camping, hiking, reading, and enjoying nature. He adored traveling to Death Valley where he had briefly lived and worked. Matt also had many outstanding accomplishments throughout his life. He was given a key to the city by the Mayor of Elkhart for winning a national photography contest and had his picture published in the book One Day in the USA. He was awarded the prestigious Medal of Valor by the US government for risking his life to save another during a flood in Furnace Creek while he worked for the National Park Service. More than anything, his greatest accomplishment was being a grandpa.  He loved his grandkids more than anything.  He loved taking them on adventures and always taught them new things. He was the type of man who lived ambitiously, always independently, and lived his life to the fullest.

In accordance with the family’s wishes, Cremation will take place at Billings Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Elkhart. Memorial services for Matthew will be held at 3:00 p.m. on Saturday, February 9, 2019 at the Life Tabernacle Church, 1135 Middlebury St. Elkhart with Chaplain David Stokely officiating. There will be 1 hour of visitation prior to services at 2:00 p.m.

Memorials may be given to the Elkhart Hospice House, 22579 Old U.S. 20, Elkhart, IN 46516. Matt will be greatly missed by his loving family.

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