Marion "Matthew" Lybarger

Marion Matthew "Matt" Lybarger, 57, passed away peacefully on June 13, 2026, Surrounded by dear loved ones. He was born on June 26, 1968,in Fort Scott, Kansas.

Matt was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Lou Lake of Talmage, Kansas; his father, Marion Allen Lybarger of Fort Scott, Kansas; and his younger brother, Jason Lee Seaman of Ottawa, Kansas, along with his grandparents.

He is lovingly remembered by his sister, Shelly Browning and her husband Robert Browning of Bowling Green, Kentucky; his sister-in-law, Jennifer Seaman of Ottawa, Kansas; his nephew, Joshua Browning and wife Becky Browning and their children, Ava and Teagan of Bowling Green. Kentucky; his niece, Amber Browning and spouse Lindsey of Louisville Ky., his niece Katie Seaman and fiancé Dan Runkle of Ottawa, Kansas; his nephew, Nathan Seaman of Ottawa, Kansas; his stepfather, Terry Lake and wife Shelly Lake of Talmage, Kansas; his former wife and lifelong best friend, Amy Lybarger; along with several uncles and many cousins.

Matt had a deep love for sports and especially enjoyed football, baseball, tennis, and track. He found peace and joy in the outdoors, with a special love for the beauty of the Smoky Mountains and the Rocky Mountains. Music was also a meaningful part of his life.

Throughout his career, Matt devoted himself to helping others, working in Social Services and Behavioral Health. He was especially passionate about supporting young people. In his most recent role as Clinical Director at Heartland Behavioral health in Nevada, Missouri, he worked closely with troubled teen girls, offering guidance, structure, and compassion.

Later in life, Matt found faith and recently gave his life to Christ, bringing him a renewed sense of peace and hope. 

A celebration of life will be held at a later date in Gatlinburg, Tennessee, and in Ottawa, Kansas.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Matt's memory to North Bowling Green Church of God, 5315 Louisville Road, Bowling Green, KY 42101, with a designation for the Smoky Mountain Children's Home in Sevierville, Tennessee, or online at my.simplegive.com/app/northbg selecting "orphanage" reflecting Matt's deep passion for helping young people.