Matthew Michael Higdon, known affectionately as “Matt”, ended his life on the weekend of March 1st in his home. He was born in Springfield, MO on March 31, 1979. He attended school at St. Joseph Elementary, Fairbanks, Pipkin Jr. High, VO Tech, and graduated from Central High School in 1997. Matt earned a degree from Scottsdale Culinary Institute LeCordon Bleu in Scottsdale, AZ around 2004.

He is sadly missed by his parents: Father- Chuck Higdon (Ann Higdon) of Strafford, Mother- Pat Pollard (Sherman Pollard) of Phoenix, AZ, and his siblings: Erika Higdon (Jason Bressler), Jennifer Higdon, Johnathan Higdon all of Springfield, and Scott Higdon (Mara Higdon) of St. Louis, along with his niece and nephews. Matthew is also survived by his paternal grandmother, Narva Higdon of Strafford, MO, and many aunts, uncles, and cousins.

Matt loved his family and brought joy to us all with his quirky sense of humor. He was a very talented artist whose paintings we will treasure. Matt found tremendous peace and comfort in the outdoors whether it be in the woodlands of Missouri or the desert of the southwest. His most recent joy in exploring Northern California was being among the Giant Sequoias. Matt was a skilled chef who worked at popular restaurants in Phoenix, AZ and most recently at the Iguana Roja restaurant in Ozark, MO. Matt often brought the family together with his delicious and memorable culinary creations.

Matt leaves behind family and friends who loved him deeply. We will forever miss his beautiful spirit and smiling face.

A memorial visitation will be held at Herman H. Lohmeyer Funeral Home, 500 E Walnut Street, Springfield, MO 65806 on Saturday, March 7 at 10am. A memorial service will follow, beginning at 11am.

In lieu of flowers, please make contribution to Burrell Mental Health Crisis Line or the National alliance on Mental Health (NAMI).

Permanent online condolences, stories and photos may be shared at www.hhlohmeyer.com.