Matthew Andrew Nance, age 57, passed away on Friday, June 14, 2024, at 1:05 a.m. with his brother Mark Nance and sister-in-law Valerie by his side. Matthew resided in Kalamazoo with his sister Marcie.

Matthew was born on Monday, April 10, 1967, at Battle Creek Community Hospital to Thomas Donald Nance Sr. (Don) and Shirley May Nance (Wertz).

On March 21, 2024, Matthew fell and was unconscious for two hours. Despite his efforts to recover, he experienced severe complications. After being bedridden for two days, his siblings Mark and Marcie transported him to Bronson Hospital in Kalamazoo. He was later transferred to Butterworth Hospital in Grand Rapids for specialized treatment. Unfortunately, he could not recover from his injuries. Matthew then moved to live with his brother Mark in Grand Rapids, entering Hospice care, where he spent his final months.

Throughout his life, Matthew showed incredible strength and resilience. In his last months, despite enduring immense pain, he maintained his dignity and high moral character. He was deeply loved and cared for by his family and the dedicated staff at Corewell Health Hospice.

Matthew attended Comstock High School, where he formed lasting friendships. After high school, he proudly served in the United States Marine Corps for four years. During his service, he received several honors, including the Good Conduct Medal, Naval Achievement Medal, Sea Service Deployment Ribbon with one-star, Southwest Asia Service Medal with one-star, and the National Defense Service Medal. Matthew played a crucial role in liberating Kuwait during the Gulf War from 1990 to 1991.

Following his military service, Matthew worked as a long-distance truck driver for several companies. When his health declined, he worked for Bunting Bearings of Kalamazoo and as a security officer for Securitas Security Services. Despite his health challenges, Matthew continued to work as an Uber Driver and for Door Dash.

Matthew is survived by his sister Marcie Nance of Kalamazoo, MI; brother Thomas D. Nance Jr. of Mentor, OH; and brother Mark Nance of Grand Rapids, MI. He is also survived by his great friend of over 30 years, Julie Lesman of Kalamazoo, Jamie, who he was a father figure to, and grandchildren Zoey, Christopher (Biggie), Jecoa, and Bentley of Kalamazoo as well as his Niece and Nephews and his aunts, uncle and cousins. He is also survived by his loving dog (Aqua) who never left his side the night he fell and was injured.

He cherished time with his lifelong friends Brian Bell, James Parrish and Tom Conklin. Also, Gary Roberts, and Wally. Matthew enjoyed rock collecting and polishing, coin collecting, and treasure hunting with his metal detector.

Matthew was preceded in death by his mother, Shirley May Nance (Wertz), and father, Thomas D. Nance Sr. also many aunts and uncles.

A celebration of life service with military honors will be held on Tuesday, June 25, 2024, at Fort Custer National Cemetery in Augusta, MI. Line up to the Pavilion begins at 2:50 pm with the service starting promptly at 3 pm. Major Timothy Meyer of The Salvation Army will officiate. There will be light refreshments following at the Battle Creek Salvation Army, located at 400 Capital Avenue NE.