Matthew Gannon
Send Flowers
Jun 07, 1993---Oct 20, 2019

Matthew Gannon, 26, of Leawood, KS passed away on October 20, 2019. Born and raised in Leawood, Kansas, Matt graduated with honors from Shawnee Mission East High School and went on to graduate Magna Cum Laude from the University of Missouri in 2016 with a Bachelor’s degree in Journalism. Pursuing his passion for teaching, Matt obtained his teaching certification from Avila University in May, 2019 and began teaching 7th and 8th grade Social Studies in addition to coaching Cross Country and Track at The Barstow School in August, 2019.

 

Matt loved spending time with his family and long-time friends. In honor of his brother, Trevor, Matt also enjoyed volunteering at Access Sports Adventures, a summer sports camp for children with disabilities needs and their families.

 

Matt was preceded in death by his father, Rick Gannon, in 2018, his younger brother, Trevor Gannon, in 2005 and his maternal grandfather, Dr. James R. Neff in 2005. He is survived by his mother, Kirsten Gannon, sister Megan and brother Tommy; his maternal grandmother Virginia Neff and Dr. Philip Giesen, and his paternal grandparents Dave and Millie Gannon. He will be greatly missed by his two uncles Gregory Neff and Michael Gannon as well as countless friends and students.

 

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, October 26th at Village Presbyterian Church, 6641 Mission Rd., Prairie Village, KS 66208. A reception will follow in Fellowship Hall. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Rick, Trevor and Matt Gannon Access Sport Adventure Fund, in care of the Greater Kansas City Community Foundation, 1055 Broadway Blvd. Suite 130, Kansas City, MO 64105 or online at http://accesssportadventures.org.


Condolences

michael chaffee Oct 24, 2019

coach ,leawood ,Kansas

Matt always carried a positive attitude, was a dedicated and very hard working runner, and could ever be counted on to heft the leadership role. He was a fine and affable young man. I miss him.

Kim Ratliff Oct 24, 2019

Friend ,Prairie Village ,Kansas

My heart aches for you all. I cannot stop thinking about you and want you to know what a difference your entire family has made in the lives of so many others. May Matt's gentle and loving spirit become a comfort to you. His memory will be with all who knew him.

Laura Beachy Langdon Oct 24, 2019

Teacher ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Matt was a wonderful young man! I remember him being an extra respectful, sweet, hardworking student. I am so very sorry to hear this news. May you find comfort in the coming days; you are in good hands at Village.

Ruth Eisen Oct 25, 2019

Fellow IDC parent ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Kirsten, My heart is broken for you. I am so so sorry. There is nothing else to say. Please let me know if there is any way I can help or just an empathetic ear. Love, Ruth

Jack Gaines Oct 25, 2019

Student of his ,Overland Park ,Kansas

All of his students, including me, called this lovely man Mr. G. He was kind, sweet, and most of all funny. Every time I would step into his classroom, my day would become so much better. You will be very missed Matthew.

Jackson Garrett Oct 25, 2019

Teacher/Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

In the time that Mr. Gannon was student teaching my ELA class at Aubry Bend Middle School, he's influenced so many students in positive ways and never failed to make a student laugh or smile. He would always say hi to someone who didn't look like they were doing alright and would ask them how their day was going. Mr. Gannon made a huge impact on the class of 2023 and will forever be remembered.

Seth Oct 25, 2019

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mr. Gannon was a great man, His class always made my day better. He was a great teacher that always tried to make class fun and interesting. The best memory of Mr. Gannon was when we did a lesson on Ellis Island and we became the people going through Ellis Island. You will be missed.

Seth Brown Oct 25, 2019

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mr. Gannon was a great man, His class always made my day better. He was a great teacher that always tried to make class fun and interesting. The best memory of Mr. Gannon was when we did a lesson on Ellis Island and we became the people going through Ellis Island. You will be missed.

Mikey Hilger Oct 25, 2019

Student ,Charlotte ,North Carolina

I used to live in Kansas Mr. Gannon was the assistant teacher for my 5th hour social studies class at Aubry Bend Middle School. He was the nicest person and he made Social Studies so much fun. I have so many fun memories with Mr. Gannon like when we were doing the factory activity for the industrial revolution. I remember the last time I saw him we had a going away party and we eat popcorn. Later we took a photo. I remember the first time I saw Mr Gannon I walked into class and I saw him and I knew he was a nice guy. Mr. Gannon was so nice, funny, and cared about all his students. He had so many good ideas for projects and activity’s. Thank you Mr. Gannon for all the memories may you Rest In Peace.

Isaac Kohlhase Oct 25, 2019

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

I remember the first time I saw Mr. Gannon or as every one called him Mr. G. I remember being excited to go that classroom every day from the first to last time I saw him. The last memory I have of Mr. G was in my english class when we all gave him a group hug because it was his last day at ABMS. Rest in peace to Mr. G we will all remember him as our friend

Jacob Edwards Oct 26, 2019

Elementary school friends ,Leawood ,Kansas

Matt was always a loving kind person always put others first, was one of the most humble person I could remember I also remember playing soccer and his dad being coach we all miss you matt but heaven gained an amazing angel today.

Drew Ley Oct 27, 2019

Student ,Overland Park ,Kansas

Mr. Gannon was such an amazing student teacher when I had him last year. Mr. Gannon was a student teacher for my 8th grade Social Studies class. I would always look forward to that class because Mr. Gannon made the topics in Social Studies interesting to learn about. Mr. Gannon impacted the entire class of 2023 and even the students that did not have him as a student teacher.