January 27, 1976 – March 30, 2022
Matthew Kirkendall, Fishers, passed away unexpectedly on March 30, 2022. Matt was born to Valerie Etherington and Norvin Kirkendall on January 27, 1976.
Matt, a certified surgical technologist, worked as a traveling technician. He graduated from Hamilton Southeastern High School and earned an associate’s degree from Ivy Tech. Matt proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps.
Throughout his life, Matt was involved in many athletic activities. He was an excellent all-around athlete: Baseball, basketball, soccer, swimming, football, wrestling, and his true love, rugby.
In 2009, Matt coached the Hamilton Southeastern High School rugby team that won the state championship that year. If athletics was not enough, Matt loved the outdoors, hunting, fishing, and camping with his best friend, Chris Watts and Chris’s father, Allen, whom Matt considered his ‘second’ dad. Matt had a tremendous love of life. Matt’s social life surrounded many get-togethers with friends and family, especially around his swimming pool.
Matthew is survived by his son, Joseph David Kirkendall Banuelos; his mother, Valerie; his father, Norvin; Kevin, his brother; and most of all his lifetime partner and best friend, Jolinda (Jojo) Sears.
Matt will be missed by his ‘adopted’ family; sister, Brooke Wilson; brother, Chad Wilkening; and their mother, Joyce Kirkendall.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 16, 2022, at the Fishers United Methodist Church, 9691 E. 116th St., Fishers. Matt’s gathering starts at 2 p.m. and will last until 4 p.m. Afterward, a memorial service will be held.
Those who would like to share a “Matt” story are encouraged to attend the meal after the service. This will allow friends and family a more relaxed setting.
The family requests that in lieu of flowers, contributions be given to the Fishers United Methodist Church Food Bank.