Matthew Warren Burford, 71, of Fountain Green, Illinois, passed away at 6:40 a.m. Thursday, December 17, 2020 at the UnityPoint - Memorial Hospital in Carthage.

Matthew was born on September 5, 1949 in LaHarpe, Illinois, the son of Cecil Ray and Madelyn Stabler Burford Jr. On March 25, 2004 he married Kimberly Kitchen in Carthage.

Matthew was a graduate of LaHarpe High School. Following high school he worked for IAAP in Burlington for a short time before enlisting in the U.S. Army. After his service he spent most of his life driving a truck for Jones Heating & Cooling. He also worked construction in the Chicago and LaHarpe areas.

Matthew was a member of the Carthage VFW and the LaHarpe American Legion. He enjoyed hunting, fishing and tinkering on old tractors.

Survivors include his wife, Kimberly; one son, Blaze (Amber) Burford of Knoxville, Illinois; two daughters, Brittany (Terry) Teesdale and Kim (Bill) Raines all of LaHarpe; one step-son, Christafer (Amy) Savage of Keokuk, Iowa; four grandchildren, Reese, Olive, Nora and Bridgette; three step-grandchildren, Cassidy, Aaron and Colbee and one step great-grandchild, Jaxson. Also surviving are two siblings, Susan Pfeiffer of Ft. Madison and Edward (Barbara) Burford of Warsaw, Illinois.

Matthew was preceded in death by his parents.

Cremation has been entrusted to Banks & Beals Funeral Homes.

A graveside service with Military Rites will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at the LaHarpe Cemetery with Rick Goettsche officiating. A memorial fund has been established for the Ft. Green Fire Department.