Matthew David Small

Sergeant First Class, United States Army

March 4, 1982  – March 14, 2023

Age 41

Niles, Michigan

Operation Iraqi Freedom

Operation Enduring Freedom

3^rd Ranger Battalion, 75^th Ranger Regiment,

Fort Benning, Georgia

Died after a short illness from cancer

Matthew David Small was born in Michigan on March 4, 1982 was surrounded by loved ones when he went home to be with his Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ at the age of 41 on March 14, 2023 after a very short illness.  He was diagnosed in mid-January with metastatic, peritoneal mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos while serving his country.

 Matthew was born on March 4, 1982 in Niles, MI to David Small and Linda (Williams) Drotoz.  He was the only son and youngest child of 3.  Matthew spent the first three years of school in New Jersey before moving back to Niles.  At the age of 8, Bill became his stepfather and raised him as his son supporting all his endeavors in life.  Matthew graduated from Brandywine High School in 2000 where he was on the wrestling and football teams.

Two major highlights in high school were when he wrestled in the State championship his junior year with his team and when he pinned his opponent with 56 seconds left to give the Bobcats a thrilling Lakeland Conference win.  He was also very active and involved in the youth group and Sunday School class at the Wesley United Methodist Church in Niles.  Matthew enjoyed weightlifting and was dedicated to exercise science.  He attended Ferris State University for 3 years and finished his degree in the military.

In January 2007, Matthew enlisted into the U.S. Army where he spent his entire career of 16+years in the 75^th Ranger Regiment and reached sergeant first class as an E-7 tabbed ranger.  He served as a ranger instructor and was deployed 10 times with 8 combat tours and was a leader every Ranger admired.  His last deployment was to Poland during the Russia/Ukraine war.  He was also a graduate of jump school and was awarded the master Parachutist Badge.  It is a heartbreaking loss for his Ranger brothers that cannot be put into words.

While Matthew was stationed at Ft. Benning, GA, he met his future wife Mary-Margaret and were married Feb 27, 2010.  Over the next 13 years and 10 deployments, they welcomed 7 wonderful children into their military life.  The last child, a little girl, was born on Matthew’s birthday and he was able to hold her in his arms the last 10 days of his life.  This last year they had to make many sacrifices as she and Matthew had to live separately while waiting for military housing in FL where he was stationed.

After his diagnosis, Matthew moved back to GA to be with his wife and children.  Matthew, an American hero, and an incredible man, leaves behind a wonderful legacy and will be truly missed by so many.  Matthew was ready to “go home and be with Jesus.

He leaves his beloved wife, Mary-Margaret, seven children: Maddox Dean, Miles Dixon, Morrison Duncan, Margaret-Melania, Madelyn-Marie, Marshall David, and MaryPaul Mattea.  His mother Linda (Bill) Drotoz and sisters Karen (Rod) Mox and Kathy (Joel) Moore.