Matthew Ross Durbin

Matthew Ross Durbin was born February 1, 1975, in Memphis, TN. He was a cherished and loving father, son, brother, soldier, deeply devoted friend and generous partner. He died April 3, 2025 in Bloomington, Indiana.

Matt was a man who touched the hearts of everyone he met. Even during particularly rough times in his life, his kindness and generosity shone through. Matt was always the best of men, regardless of the challenges he faced. He had an unwavering commitment to ensuring that those around him were okay. His friends, his family, and even strangers—Matt wanted everyone to feel cared for and supported. His selflessness and desire to be a good person were evident in everything he did.

Matt will be remembered for his jokes, his kind heart, and his unwavering support.

His commitment to serving his country led him to a career in the United States Army, where he proudly held the rank of Staff Sergeant and served with a strong sense of duty and honor.

Matt’s smile lit up the room, his long, strong, loving hugs will be missed, as well as his terrible puns. His laughter and his anger, both so deeply felt, he was as loyal a friend as you could ever find. His sadness and guilt for what he saw as past mistakes burdened him. He was a gifted writer, writing beautiful messages and poems, notably a beautiful one for his mom.

A dreamer and a poet, he loved and was loved deeply. Matthew was a devoted and generous partner, who cherished companionship. He found great joy in being able to care for and provide for those he loved.

Matthew created beautiful living spaces on his wooded acreage, with so many dreams of more projects. He loved to entertain and cook, and gather everyone around his permanent bonfire pit, the bigger fire the better!! He loved shooting his guns and shooting pictures of wildlife that passed through his property.

He enjoyed spending days exploring his woods, playing video games, building legos or playing soccer with the kids in his life. He was also a devoted caretaker of his Maine Coon cat, Loki, his handsome wee beastie.

He was a generous man who loved deeply and valued friends and family. He leaves behind a loving family who hold his memory close. His mother, Leigh Durbin Fogarty (Michael), father, Richard Durbin (Karen), his brother Andrew Durbin (Yoon), daughter Grace Durbin and niece Sophia Durbin celebrate his life. Matthew is also celebrated by extended friends and family including his devoted partner Katy and her children. He was preceded in death by his son Midnight.

Matt had a unique ability to bring joy to those around him, and his memory will continue to inspire us to be better, kinder, and more compassionate. He will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved him and those whose lives he saved by being an organ donor.

“Through swamps and over mountains, on lakes and down rivers. Through the long summer to the mountaintop camp. Through time and space in real life and virtual. Through friends we loved but lost along the way. More like a brother but friends to the end.”

Matt you will be deeply missed, but never forgotten.