Matthew Waggoner

Matthew “Matt” Waggoner, age 62, of DeKalb and a former Navy SEAL, passed away Wednesday, April 22, 2020, and claimed the promise of his Savior following a fierce battle with cancer.
He was born November 4, 1957, in Toledo, OH, to proud parents, Melvin and Omogene (Hanway) Waggoner.
Matt grew up in Toledo and attended local schools. He was part of the Indian Guides, of which his father was a Chief and also was a caddy at Inverness Golf Course. Matt graduated with the class of 1975 from Roger’s High School.
Matt enlisted in the United States Navy in 1974. He became a vaunted and revered Navy SEAL and entering active duty in 1975. Upon his honorable discharge in 1979, Matt returned to civilian life.
Matt was united in marriage to Vikkie Jackman on March 12, 1983. They were blessed with a daughter, Ashley. Eventually Matt and Vikkie took different paths but fate smiled on him again when Lori Gordon came into his life. They met in the fall of 2007, both of them with children from previous marriages. Two hearts and two families became one when they were married on May 24, 2008. They began their new life together in DeKalb.
Matt installed security alarms for over 30 years and only put his tools down when he was stricken with the cancer that may have beaten his body, but never his spirit.
Matt was a proud member of the IBEW Local 134.
Matt was renowned as a “dog whisperer” but he specialized in Boxers. He had a special connection with his four legged friends. Whether you had four legs or two, Matt had a heart big enough for everyone and was especially close with his family, and the friends that became like family. His sense of humor was hilarious if not occasionally ill-timed and off color. Matt loved bantering about his favorite musicians and debating the greats; he loved to talk about music as much as he liked listening to it. Ohio State and Toledo Rockets made him cheer the loudest, but when it came to the proudest, you only had to look in one place, the Navy SEALs. He rarely wore a shirt that didn’t shout of his pride, which may have fed into his G.I. Joe collection that was one for the ages. Nothing and no one could take the place of his family of which he loved dear. Gone too soon, he now rests easy from his battles until his family is reunited once again.
He is survived by his loving wife Lori Waggoner; his daughter Ashley Waggoner; two sons: Shay (Brittni) Sticka and Kyle Sticka; two grandchildren: Matthew Stanley and Millie Sticka; his mother, Omogene Waggoner; four brothers: Geoff Waggoner, Melvin (Cindy) Waggoner, Brian (Sue) Waggoner and Tim Waggoner; many nieces, nephews and a brotherhood of friends.
He is preceded by his father Melvin Waggoner and a sister-in-law, Kathy Waggoner.
The private family service will be streamed live on Facebook, Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. A link will be provided by no later 2 hours prior to the service. If you have any questions about how to connect, please feel free to call Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.

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The private family service will be streamed live on Facebook, Saturday, May 2, 2020 at 2 p.m. A link will be provided by no later 2 hours prior to the service. If you have any questions about how to connect, please feel free to call Conley Funeral Home, 630-365-6414.