Matthew "Smiley" Aaron Isom of Bourbon, Missouri was born on Wednesday, Nov. 9, 1977 in Exeter, New Hampshire to Richard Dana Isom and Wendy Lee (nee Hersey) Davila and passed away on Monday, March 30, 2026 at the age of 48 years, 4 months and 20 days.
He was a graduate of Cuba High School, Class of 1995.
He worked as a forklift driver at Paramount Cap Factory in Bourbon, Missouri.
He found joy in the simple, beautiful things—nature, animals and tending to his garden. Whether he was growing flowers or preparing a meal in the kitchen, he put his heart into everything he did.
Music was one of Matthew’s greatest passions. He loved to play the guitar and sing. His nickname, “Smiley,” was more than just a name—it was who he was.
He was preceded in death by his father, Richard Isom; step-father, Alfred Bonser; and aunt, Susan Gail McGinley.
He is survived by his fiancée, Sandra Simpson of Bourbon, Missouri; mother, Wendy Davila of Owensville, Missouri; step-mother, Sue Bonser of Cuba, Missouri; step-daughter, Amber Simpson of Bourbon, Missouri; siblings, Justin (Tiphani) Isom of Owensville, Missouri, Christina (Shawn) Brooks of Cuba, Missouri, Rebecca Pagliccia of Owensville, Missouri, Mary (Marc) Young of Wakefield, Massachusetts and Robert (Tammy) Bonser of Bourbon, Missouri; grandchildren he thought of as his own; other relatives and friends.
The family chose cremation as his final disposition and had a private memorial gathering.
Arrangements under the direction of Hutson Funeral Home in Cuba, Missouri.
