Dana Matthew “Matt” Brown

Dana Matthew "Matt" Brown, 66, of Rushville, died Friday, October 16, 2026, at Culbertson Memorial Hospital in Rushville. He was born June 9, 1960, in Beardstown, the son of Donald Earl and Dolores Kay Cannon Brown. He married Shelia Bishop on April 12, 1986, and she survives in Rushville. Surviving along with his wife are his two daughters, Jessi Prentice (husband Ryan) of Springfield and Megan Guntle (husband Dustin) of Oreana, one son, Jason Brown (significant other Tiffany Krohe) of Beardstown; four grandchildren, Kelsi Burton, Wyatt Guntle, Makenna Guntle, and Oliver Guntle; one sister, Denise Renee Wilson (husband Bill) of Galesburg; three brothers, Donald Jason Brown and David Clayton Brown, both of Rushville, and Dale Andrew Brown (wife Lisa) of rural Rushville; and numerous nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and three dear friends, Greg Wilson, Pete Lashbrook, and Mike Knott. Matt attended Beardstown High School with the Class of 1978 and attended automotive technology school at Wichita State University. He began his career as a mechanic and later worked for IFP in Beardstown, operating equipment and clearing land. He finished his working years in the maintenance department at JBS in Beardstown. After being laid off during the COVID-19 pandemic, Matt took the opportunity to begin a new chapter in life and enjoy his retirement. Matt had a lifelong passion for classic cars and enjoyed spending time under the hood, working on old vehicles, and attending car shows. He was also an avid NASCAR fan who enjoyed fishing and mushroom hunting. Along with his love for automobiles and the outdoors, music held a special place in Matt's heart. A talented guitarist and singer, he inherited his love of music from his father, with whom he had the opportunity to perform in various bands. Throughout the years, he shared his musical talents and made lasting memories with fellow musicians Rick Dennis, John Thurman, Andy Dowson, and his late dear friends and bandmates, Mike Knott, Pete Lashbrook, and Greg Wilson. The family will meet with friends from 5-7 PM, Wednesday, October 21, 2026 at Colwell Memorial Home. There will be no formal services. Memorials have been suggested to the American Lung Association . Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.