Mathew James Quinn, Jr. was born in Mountain Grove, to Matthew James Quinn, Sr. and Wave (Hall) Quinn on Sep. 25, 1933, and passed away Oct. 23, 2020, at Mercy in Springfield. He was 87 years and 28 days of age. Matt attended all eight grades at Brushy Knob country school and graduated from Mountain Grove High School in 1951. He married his high school sweetheart, Glenet Robertson, on Dec. 24, 1952. Matt enlisted in the United States Air Force in March 1953 and served until May 1957. He worked on a B-47 airplane as Crew Chief, stationed at Barksdale Air Force Base, Bossier City, La., and traveled to North Africa and England. After active duty, he served in the United States Air Force Reserves for 10 years and was honorably discharged in 1967 with the rank of Master Sargent. Matt attended University of Missouri School of Mines and Metallurgy in Rolla, graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering in 1962.
After graduation, he worked for Rocketdyne, division of North American Aviation in Neosho, as a Rocket Engine Test Engineer. He was transferred to Columbus, Ohio, and was a Flight Test Engineer on the OV10A Aircraft. After leaving North American Aviation, he worked for Grumman Aircraft Corporation as a Flight Test Engineer on the F-14 Aircraft in Long Island, N.Y. Later, he moved to Miami, Okla., where he worked for B.F. Goodrich as Manager of the Maintenance Department. After the plant closed, he moved to Batesville, Ark., retiring in 1995, after working for GenCorp Automotive as Maintenance Manager for 10 years. Matt and Glenet returned to their home town of Mountain Grove, in 2007. Matt was saved as a teenager and faithfully served his Savior, Jesus Christ, throughout his life. He was ordained as a deacon in 1968 while being a member of First Baptist Church of Westerville, Ohio. At the time of his passing, he was a member of First Baptist Church of Mountain Grove and was a faithful member of the men’s Sunday school class. He also enjoyed participating in the church’s Tuesday afternoon game day and the Harvest Fellowship. Matt was an active member of the American Legion Post No. 30. He also made many friends at the Senior Center where he went three mornings a week to play Bingo.
Matt was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Cecil Quinn; and a granddaughter-in-law, Ashley Wyss. He is survived by his loving wife of their home, Glenet; his children, Bridget Ann Quinn and John, of Westerville, Ohio; and Matthew James Quinn III and Connie, of Roanoke, Texas; five grandchildren, Brooke Robinson and her husband, Matt Robinson, of Fishers, Ind.; Ryan Wyss, of Columbus, Ohio; Kendal Quinn Huggins and her husband, Tommy, of Keller, Texas; Kevin Quinn and Kara Quinn, of Keller, Texas; five great-grandchildren, Warrick, Tynnley, Paisley and Kyndall Robinson, and Layla Rose Huggins; and many other relatives, friends, neighbors and church family who will greatly miss him.
Memorial services for Mathew Quinn will be held Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2020, at 10 a.m. at Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home with the Rev. Dustin Byrd officiating. Song selections are “The Lord’s Prayer,” “It Is Well With My Soul” and “Amazing Grace” with Nancy Doty and Kent Oliver serving as musicians. Burial with full military honors by the United States Air Force and American Legion Post No. 30 will be in Hillcrest Cemetery under the direction of Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home, Mountain Grove.
Memorial contributions may be made to American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Online condolences: www.craighurttfuneralhome.com.
