Matthew David O’Daniel
Matthew David O’Daniel, our beloved son, brother, and friend, age 21, of Eaton Rapids, passed away as a result of a car accident on March 15, 2023. Matthew was born in Lansing on July 24, 2001, the son of David and Ann O’Daniel. He graduated with honors from Eaton Rapids High School in 2019, where he participated in cross country, swimming, track, and marching/concert bands. He was attending Michigan State University studying International Relations in the James Madison College. Matthew also was a rifleman with the 1st Battalion, 24th Marines, Charlie Company 3rd Platoon, Marine Forces Reserve, with the rank of Lance Corporal. In boot camp, he earned the honor of expert marksman. His plans were to complete his degree at MSU, continue his career with the U.S. Marines, and serve his country. He was an active member of St. Peter Catholic Church and had been a fifteen-year member of the 4-H program, where he participated in shooting sports, poultry, and numerous other activities with his clubs. As per his final wishes, he was an organ donor through the Gift of Life program. Matthew unfailingly brightened the lives of all he met, put the needs of others before his own, and was always willing to help.
Matthew loved the outdoors, especially family vacations spent swimming, hiking, and camping. He made a habit of coming home on Sundays to go to Mass with his mom and dad. This also gave him time to spend with the family pets, which he adored. He will be missed dearly, especially by his family, Marine brothers, and roommates: Patrick and Tim O’Daniel (cousins), and best friend Jordan Hawkins.
Matthew is survived by his parents; sister, Sarah (Kevin) O’Daniel-Heichlinger of Frederick, MD; grandmothers, Kay O’Daniel of East Leroy, MI and Joann Poirier of Standish, MI; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins. He was preceded in death by his grandfathers, Louis O’Daniel and Richard Poirier.
A Funeral Mass with Military Honors will be held at 11 a.m. on Saturday, March 25, 2023, at St. Peter Catholic Church, Eaton Rapids, MI. Visitation was Friday from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. at the Mills Funeral Home, Shelly-Odell Chapel, with a Rosary prayed at 7:30 p.m. Visitation will continue at the church from 10 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Peter Catholic Church, or to a scholarship program that is being set up in Matthew’s name. To leave condolences for the family, please visit our website, www.millsfuneral.com.