Mathew J McKinley Downing

Mathew was born on April 18, 1990. Mathew was ornery in the months leading up to his birth I was so sick I told him he was going to get a good spanking lol but of course when I held him for the first time I was so in love and forgot all about being sick Mathew was that child that dumped out the shampoo and squeezed out the toothpaste and everything else he could get away with I remember one day in kindergarten he came home and said “mom I got a new girlfriend” and I said “oh yeah whats her name” he said “I’m in love with you baby and I dont even know your name” Mathew had a very contagious smile and a personality that would light up a room. Mathew and his brother were very close when young; they never wanted to be apart. As he got older Mathew made some bad decisions to follow the wrong path which leads us to today. May 2, 2026, is when Mathew succumbed to those bad decisions. He will be missed every day of our lives. Mathew was a beautiful soul and brought pleasure to so many.

Mathew is survived by his daughter, Journei Faith Hart; and 2 bonus children, Whisper Stone and Brogan Hart. He is also survived by his dad, William Lee Downing, and his mom, Katharine Jean Downing. His brothers, William Downing and wife Kandace Downing, Travis Downing and wife Niesa Downing, Jeremey Downing, and Adam Downing. His sisters, Alaynee Melton and husband Gene Melton, and Rachael Downing and fiance Noe. Grandmother, Katharine Burleson. 5 nephews, Weilon Downing, Camron Downing, Trevyn Downing, Tegann Downing, and Zander Downing; and 1 niece, Haley Downing. Along with so many more friends and family.

Mathew is preceded in death by his grandfather, Frank Burleson; grandmother, Irene Franks; grandfather, Leroy Downing; and so many more friends and family.

A visitation is planned for May 7, 2026, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM. A Funeral Service will be held at Butler Church on May 8, 2026, at 2:00 PM, with burial to follow the same day at Butler Cemetery.