MATTHEW SCOTT CHISM
Oct. 18, 1989-Nov. 2, 2014
Visitation: 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, Brumback Funeral Home, Stockton. Service: 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, Stockton High School. Burial: Lindley Prairie Cemetery, Bear Creek.
Matthew Scott Chism, 25, Stockton, was the second child of Rodney and Pam Chism and was born Oct. 18, 1989, in Bolivar at Citizens Memorial Hospital. Tragically, on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2014, he was shot and killed in the line of duty as a Cedar County Deputy Sherriff.
Matthew was raised in the Stockton community. His childhood was spent helping his mother and father tend to the family farm, feeding cattle, hunting deer, cutting hay and playing with his brother Joshua. As a boy, Matthew was energetic and tenacious. He was even a bit of a boy daredevil, known to drive his tricycle and, later, bicycle off of the edge of the Chism house’s concrete front porch.
As Matthew grew up, he participated in many school activities. These included baseball, football, peer tutoring, FFA and many others. As a young man, Matthew had an incredible sense of humor and could brighten anyone’s day with his silly charm and antics. He graduated from Stockton High School in May 2008.
Matthew entered the Law Enforcement Academy at Missouri Southern State University, Joplin, in January 2011. He dreamt of becoming an officer ever since he was a boy after participating in the D.A.R.E. program lead by Leon Dwerlkotte. It was at that young age Matthew decided to become an officer of the law. He realized that childhood dream and graduated from the Law Enforcement Academy in May 2011.
Matthew married the love of his life, Ashley Brook Dixon, July 30, 2011, in Stockton. He was an incredibly loving husband, and the spark Matt and Ashley shared was undeniable. He and Ashley enjoyed hunting, fishing and anything outdoors together. On Sept. 25, 2012, Hunter Glen Chism was born. As a father, Matthew was second to none. Matthew loved his son Hunter fiercely, and Hunter loved his daddy.
Soon after, Matthew truly began to realize his professional aspirations. He joined the Cedar County Sheriff’s Department in January 2013. Eager, ready and willing to serve, Matthew was a superb deputy sheriff. As an officer, he always went the extra mile. He saw each new day as an opportunity to grow and to learn. Matthew loved his career. He knew it was a calling, and he took that calling seriously.
As the head of a Christian family, both Matthew and Ashley attended the Assembly of God Church in Stockton.
Matthew was a man of great character and integrity. He was fair and honest. He was funny and energetic. He was a man of great courage and bravery. Full of genuine devotion and sacrifice, Matthew ultimately gave his life to protect and serve.
Matthew is survived by his wife, Ashley Dixon Chism; his son, Hunter Glen Chism; his mother, Pamela Sue Chism; his father, Rodney Harold Chism; grandmother, Myrna Chism; and grandfather, Richard Chism, all of Stockton; brother, Joshua Glen Chism of Waynesville; and a multitude of other relatives and friends.
Visitation is 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2014, at Brumback Funeral Home, 309 S. High St., Stockton. The services is at 2 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 6, at the Stockton R-1 High School, 14109 S. Highway 39, Stockton. Online condolences can be made at www.brumbackfuneralhome.com.
