Matthew Dale Lankford, 70, of Deepwater, Missouri passed away on Wednesday, June 17, 2026 at KU Medical Center, Kansas City, Missouri.

Matthew Dale Lankford was born on February 2, 1956 to his parents, John and Lucille Lankford. He was raised in the country, he was a farm boy at heart.

He is survived by his wife Diane, son Waas and granddaughter Rowan Higginbotham, daughters Danielle, Megan and Dena, several grandchildren. He also leaves behind his brothers, Danny Lankford, John and wife Susan Lankford, Tim and wife Sharon Lankford, his sister Margaret and husband Leonard Shields, along with countless nieces and nephews.

Matthew worked as a meat cutter, a Coop Manager, ending his career in construction. He loved the outdoors, horses, hunting, fishing, scuba diving, slow dancing, and perpetual construction.

He was loved by all who knew him, and we will forever have a broken heart. We had such a beautiful ordinary life of 30 years, filled with love and laughter. He was a real cowboy and he died with his boots on!

Until we meet again, my love - "Let her buck!"

Arrangements have been entrusted to Vansant-Mills Funeral Home in Clinton, Missouri.

(Obituary submitted by family.)