Matthew Kirksey, 67, of Brookport, Illinois, passed away at home on February 12, 2026, at 1:31 a.m., surrounded by the family he loved so fiercely.
To know Matthew was to love him — and most people did. Whether you knew him as Matthew, Toot, or Grampy, you knew you were in the presence of someone unforgettable.
Born to the late Betty June Hendrix and J.C. Kirksey, Matthew was preceded in death by his brothers William and Mark Kirksey. He is survived by his devoted wife, Carla Kirksey; his sons, James (Rebecca ) Flanary and Christian Flanary; and his treasured grandchildren, Wynter, Karmin, and Auggie Flanary — who held a very special place in his heart. He is also survived by his brother James (Elizabeth) Kirksey, along with many beloved sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, cousins, nieces, and nephews — all of whom he loved deeply and unapologetically.
Matthew was a retired English professor, which meant two things: he loved a good book, and he absolutely knew when your grammar was wrong (even if he politely let it slide). He was full of trivia and random knowledge, the kind of man who could turn any conversation into an interesting lesson — whether you asked for one or not.
He had a lifelong love for scary movies, monster models, music, and storytelling. His wardrobe was its own statement — vests, fedora hats, and horror-themed shirts worn with confidence and unmistakable style. You rarely saw him without a fresh Coke or Dr Pepper in hand, because some habits are simply part of a man's character.
He was the kind of Grampy who showed up. Holidays, birthdays, ball games — if it involved his grandchildren, he was there. No questions asked. His presence was steady, dependable, and filled with warmth. He cheered loudly, laughed easily, and delivered sarcasm with a wit that could leave a room in stitches.
Matthew was more than a husband, father, grampy, brother, and friend. He was the storyteller at the table, the quiet observer with the clever remark, the man who loved deeply and showed it by simply being there.
His family finds comfort knowing that his humor, his intelligence, his love of a good story, and his unmistakable style will live on in the many lives he shaped.
And in Heaven, we imagine, there was a perfectly chilled soda waiting for him.
A memorial service will be held Friday March 6th, 2026 @ 5:00pm at Victory Full Gospel Church in Metropolis, IL.
Brookport, Illinois
