Matthew R. Dalton, 43 of Nason, passed away at 6:37 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, 2017 at St. Louis University Hospital, surrounded by his family.

A funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Thursday, March 16, 2017 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham with burial in St. Francis Cemetery, Teutopolis. Visitation will be held from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Wednesday evening at Bauer Funeral Home in Effingham. Memorial donations may be made to the donor's choice.

Matt was a very loving, attentive son, brother, uncle, godfather and cousin. He loved children and all animals, especially his dogs. Matt enjoyed being outdoors; hunting and fishing were a favorite pastime. We were all so proud of him as he just received his welding inspector license. Matt was also a highly respected welder among his co-workers. He was a very outgoing person. Matt never knew a stranger and had friends everywhere.

Matt is survived by his parents, Jesse and Brenda Ketteman of Effingham; three brothers, Mark (Jaci) Dalton of Fairmont, WV, Luke (Nikki) Dalton of St. Louis, MO and John (Stephanie) Dalton of Sesser; nieces and nephews, Maya and Jace Dalton of Fairmont, WV, Addi and Millie Dalton of St. Louis, Jaylee Higgins and Deizel Dalton of Sesser; uncles, Steve (Judy) Bergfeld and their children Dusty and Dacia, Kenny (Pam) Bergfeld and their children Emily and Fran; Thad (Janet) Bergfeld and their children, Danielle, Jacob, and Adam.

Matt was preceded in death by his grandparents, Joseph and Jeanette Bergfeld.