Matthew A. Rains

Matthew "Matt" Rains, 65, of Lewistown, Illinois, passed away peacefully at his home on November 16, 2025 surrounded by his family after courageously facing glioblastoma.

Matt was born in Murphysboro, Illinois, to Bonnie Starbuck Rains and the late Joe Rains. He grew up alongside his brothers, Joe Rains and Bill Thompson, and carried the values of loyalty, honesty, and hard work through every part of his life.

He married the love of his life, Anna, on January 18, 1992, and together they built a life rooted in faith, family, and laughter. He was the proud dad of four daughters - Kelly McGovern (Nathan), Cappie McGovern, Tieraney Craig (Josh), and Tiffaney Rains-Eaton (Brian) - who will forever carry his lessons and quiet strength with them.

Matt served with integrity and compassion throughout his career with the Illinois Department of Corrections, retiring with the rank of Major. For 25 years, his buzzcut and mustache were part of the uniform, but after retirement, he finally grew out his hair into a legendary long ponytail - a look that fit him perfectly and maybe drove Anna a little crazy.

He was most at home outdoors - baling hay, farming, or riding horses and mules. His perfect day started with coffee by the camper, a toothpick or Bazooka Joe gum in his mouth, and a few of his favorite sayings ready for whoever stopped by: "Oh boy," "Now don't get 'cited," "Now what you have to do is...," or a good-natured "Good luck with that." His dogs were always nearby, and he and his trusty sidekick Joe loved being the leaders on the trail with all their buddies by their side.

Matt was known for his cowboy boots, hat, and reinforced-knee Wrangler jeans - his signature look that matched his no-nonsense attitude. Beneath that tough exterior, though, was the softest heart. He was his daughters' safe place to land, the one who could fix anything, teach anything, and calm any storm with a simple, "Slow it down... it is what it is."

He carried high expectations for himself and everyone around him, believing that honesty, effort, and faith were the true measure of a person's character - and he lived those values every single day.

His daughters describe him best: stubborn, steadfast, giving, patient, giddy, strong, grounded, nurturing, and a little crusty. He loved his grandkids and his mules deeply - two things that always seemed to bring out his biggest smiles and softest heart.

After retiring at 50, Matt created his own little homestead filled with life and motion - a barn, chickens, dogs, cats, mules, cows, and whatever other animals happened to wander in or get "donated" by his kids and grandkids. He loved collecting eggs, tinkering with projects, and teaching his grandkids how to ride, build, and do things the right way.

Matt's devotion to his family was unwavering, especially to Anna. He made sure she was always taken care of in every way possible. He maintained their home, planned for their future, and quietly carried the weight of making life easier for everyone they loved. Over the years, he helped care for many family members who lived with them, never complaining and always stepping up when someone needed him. And even though he gave Anna a hard time and kept her on her toes, everyone knew it was his way of showing love - teasing, laughing, and making sure she never forgot how much she meant to him.

He was a proud and loving grandpa to Mick, AJ, and Jackson Schlueter; Andrew Dusenbery; Brecken and Falynn Craig; Kensen and Rinsley Eaton; and MJ Mefford. He showed them the kind of love that looked like showing up, working hard, and laughing together.

When Matt was diagnosed with his illness, his faith remained unshaken. He often said he was "good either way" - because he'd either be with God or get to stay with his family a little longer. That peace and strength reflected the depth of his faith.

Matt leaves behind his wife, Anna; his daughters and grandchildren; his mother, Bonnie (Starbuck Rains) Cain; his brothers, Joe Rains and Bill Thompson; and his trusty sidekick, Joe (Mary Jane) Edwards. He was preceded in death by his father, Joe Rains, and his dear friend Stanley Stambaugh, who was like a brother to him.

He will be remembered as a loyal, stubborn, humble man who led with (not always) quiet wisdom, lived with grit and gratitude, and loved with his whole heart. Whether he was leading a trail ride, building something with his grandkids, or sitting around a fire at the end of a long day, Matt Rains lived a life that mattered - one full of faith, family, and purpose.

And when his journey here came to an end, he did just what he'd always said he wanted - he rode off into the sunset on his horse, leaving behind love, laughter, and a trail that will never fade.

Per his requests, Matt will be cremated and a private gathering will take place at a later date. Colwell Memorial Home in Beardstown is assisting the family.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shawnee Trail Conservancy, one of Matt's favorite places to ride; to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, in honor of his annual participation in the Saddle Up for St. Jude ride; or to the Beardstown Christian Academy Scholarship Foundation, all in care of Colwell Memorial Home, 515 S. State Street, Beardstown, IL 62618. Condolences may be left online at www.colwellmemorialhome.com or on Facebook at Colwell Memorial Home.