Matthew Noel Burns, 47, of Keokuk, IA, passed away on Saturday, August 19, 2023, in Alaska.

He was born on January 27, 1976, in Centerville, Iowa, to Ron and Karla Burns.

He enjoyed growing up in Centerville, IA, where he participated in little league baseball, cross country, and marching band. After graduating from Bible college, he married Sarah J. Schrock on June 4, 1999.

Matt and his family spent about ten years doing mission work, mainly in Venezuela and Peru, where he put to good use his love for the Spanish language he had learned in high school. After returning to America, he started a business, Matthew's Construction, where he served many satisfied customers in the tri-state area for more than a decade. His children enjoyed serving alongside him in this business.

He loved spending time with his family, whether on vacation, on jeep drives, day trips, drives along the Mississippi, playing games, or just talking about life. Friends were always welcomed into his home with open arms and were made to feel like family. To know him was to love him.

He was a born-again Christian and attended the First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO, where he helped out in any way possible. Many missionaries, ministries, and camps have been the beneficiary of his time, talents, and finances. He was proud to serve his community through the Jackson Township Fire Department.

Matt is survived by his wife, Sarah J. Burns, of Keokuk, IA; one daughter, Rebekah (Eli) Miller, of Pleasantville, IA; and three sons of the home: Timothy, Daniel, and Nathaniel; and one grandson, Lane Miller. Other survivors include his parents, Ron and Karla Burns, and one sister, Kimberly (Scot) Schwestka, as well as many in-laws, uncles, aunts, and cousins.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Ray and Maxine Burns, and De Alton and Bertha Anderson, as well as his sister, Rachel Grassi.

A funeral service was held 10:00 a.m. Friday, September 1, 2023 at the First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO. Burial was in the Hickory Grove Cemetery in Keokuk, IA.

Visitation was held from 6 - 8 p.m. Thursday, August 31 at the First Baptist Church in Wayland, MO with the family meeting with friends at that time.

Matt was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, son-in-law, uncle, grandson, and friend. He will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Vigen Memorial Home is in charge of arrangements.