Matthew “Matt” Douglas Blakey, Sr. – Matt and Dexter

Matthew “Matt” Douglas Blakey, Sr., departed this life on October 10, 2021. Matt was born in Springfield Illinois, on January 14, 1970, to Deloise Ann Doss. Matt attended Lanphier High School and was a standout scholar-athlete, who went on to earn an athletic scholarship to Southern Illinois University Carbondale, where he earned a B.S. in Recreation Administration & Health Education and a M.A. in Education. While in Carbondale, Matt was initiated into Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Incorporated via the Mu Kappa Lambda chapter.

Matt was a long-time educator, who was committed to mentoring young people. He was a great, son, brother, uncle, nephew, cousin, and friend. His greatest achievement in life were his children, he lived for his daughter, sons, and grandchildren. And served as a beacon of love, inspiration, and hard work to all who encountered him.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Rev. and Mrs. Henry F. Blakey; his mother, Deloise Doss, and son, Matthew Douglas Blakey, Jr. He is survived by his children, Terrell Commer, Qeona Greer Blakey, Aaron Blakey, and Jacxon Blakey; his brothers, David, Dartanyan, Dameion (Khalilah), Christopher, D’Angelo, and Charles (Journey); grandchildren, nieces, nephews, other family, and countless friends.

Visitation: 2:00 – 3:30 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Funeral Service: 3:30 pm, Tuesday, October 19, 2021 at Staab Funeral Home – Springfield.

Matt appreciated fashion, and “dressing up.” To honor this part of who he was, we ask that visitors dress up in black & gold (those who are able to).

In adhering with covid-19 protocols, the family has asked that visitors are always masked, and that they remain physically distanced while paying their respects.