(CAMDEN POINT, Mo.) A local country music artist has passed away after a fight with cancer.
Matt Snook fought kidney cancer for nearly a year and this week, he passed at the age of 51.
Here is the obituary written in his honor:
Matthew Derek Snook, 51, of Camden Point, MO passed away August 15, 2024 in his home surrounded by his loving family after a courageous battle with cancer.
Matt was born June 29, 1973, to Earl and Dianne Snook in St. Joseph, MO. Matt was a 1991 graduate of North Platte R1 High School where he excelled in basketball, baseball and football. After graduation he attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO where he played basketball and graduated in 1995. In June of 1995, he married his high school sweetheart, Stephanie. Matt and Stephanie were blessed with 2 sons, Austin and Westin.
Matt was dedicated to helping others. From coaching little league basketball for both of his sons, to assisting in baseball and football little league teams as both boys were growing up in the North Platte community. He had a huge and lasting impact on many youth that grew up in the North Platte area.
Matt worked as a Project Manager for Sprint for 12 years where he became a Certified Project Management Professional in 2001. Matt decided to pursue his passion and career in music and left his position at Sprint and he and the family moved to Nashville for two years, where Matt made many lifelong music connections, wrote many songs, and met lifelong family friends. When returning to Kansas City, he and his band performed countless festivals, fairs and traveled performing across the United States. He was asked to perform the National Anthem several times through the years and was proud to perform for Gold Star Families, Military Events, Professional Sporting Events including numerous times for the Kansas City Royals, and for the US Open.
Matt’s servant heart led him to a lifelong passion of volunteering and assisting many organizations including the Troops First Foundation, Musicians on Call, America’s Huey 091 Foundation, Camp Quality, Snowball Express and countless others. He made trips overseas to perform for our troops, attended several events supporting Gold Star Families, made trips throughout the US to perform for our injured military personnel, trips to hospitals and causes to perform for terminally ill children, and was always available and willing to help when he was asked to assist anyone in need. The impact he has left on so many will never be forgotten.
In July of 2024, he was awarded the prestigious Meritorious Public Service Medal by the United States Department of the Army for his distinguished voluntary service to the men and women who proudly serve our nation. His profound impact echoes far beyond the realms of music, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of all who have had the privilege of crossing paths with him.
Matt’s attitude for life was contagious. His advice to his wife, sons and others was often “Ask yourself, What do you want? What is the Plan…are you working the plan? And most of all, are you happy in your adventure?” We hope that everyone can learn from Matt on sharing love for others and his perseverance of happiness.
His family, friends and all who had the pleasure to meet him will miss him immensely but his legacy will live through us all. “May we all continue to walk gently through our days. “
Matt was preceded in death by his father Earl. Matt is survived by his wife of 29 years, Stephanie; his two sons Austin (Logan) of Cheyenne, WY and Westin of Camden Point, MO ; his mother Dianne Snook of Edgerton, MO; his brothers Michael (Jennifer) of Dearborn, MO, Mark (Cindy) of Lake City, FL and Nate (Emilee) of Platte City, MO; Nephews and Niece – Joshua (Ali) of Elkins, AR, Jared (Brianna) of Plattsburg, MO, Jordan (Jason) of St Joseph, MO, Dylan (Felicia) of Panama City Beach, FL and Wyatt of Panama City Beach, FL, Nate (Ronni) West of Moberly, MO Alden (Nicki) West of Eilson Air Force Base, AL. , several loving aunts, uncles, cousins and numerous close friends.
Visitation will take place from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Friday August 23, 2024, at North Platte High School.
Celebration of life will take place at 11:00 a.m. Saturday August 24, 2024, at North Platte High School.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Matt’s Memory c/o Stephanie Snook.
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