Matthew D. Shafer of Lawson, MO, passed away on June 4, 2021 at the age of 21 years.
Matthew was born August 28 to Cristofer and Christina Shafer (Browning). Matthew graduated from Lawson High School. While Matthew was attending his senior year at Lawson High School, he attended classes to receive his EMT certification. He was formally recognized by the Missouri State Senate and ACT Missouri for his work preventing substance abuse among his fellow students, earning the “Outstanding Youth Prevention” award. He also earned the rank of Eagle Scout. The Youth with Vision organization lauded his “natural, quiet leadership by example, kindness and diligence’. Matthew was a hard-working young man who loved serving his community, laboring ceaselessly as a firefighter and EMT in Lawson. In college, he continued his work as a firefighter with the Madison, Idaho Fire Department.
Matthew was a loving brother, son, grandson, and cousin. He loved spending time with his family any way he could. He could often be found playing games indoors or outdoors with his sister, Jenna, or hunting with his father and his brother, Scott. More than anything, he always looked for ways to serve those around him. He served a full-time mission in the Mexico City North mission and continued his faithful service in The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints upon his return. Firefighting and EMT work were never just a job for him, they were what he loved to do. He will always be remembered for his kindness to everyone, as well as serving courageously and honorably in the profession he loved.
Matthew is survived by his parents, Cristopher and Christina Shafer; siblings, Scott and Jenna Shafer; paternal grandmother, Karen Shafer; maternal grandparents, Mike and Linda Coan; paternal great grandparents, Don and Carol Johnson; and his loving aunts, uncles and cousins.
