With hearts full of love and sorrow, we share that Matthew Steven Trager left this Earth on April 8, 2025, at home in Chillicothe, Missouri, peacefully surrounded by his family—exactly the way he wanted it. After a long and courageous journey, he stood victorious over cancer, but the lasting side effects of treatment took their toll. True to his nature, he met every challenge with grit, grace, and a stubbornly cheerful spirit that never wavered.
Born Dec. 8, 1960, to Robert and Ruth (Petrus) Trager, Matt grew up with a deep appreciation for hard work, faith, and family. He attended the University of Missouri, where he embraced all the experiences college had to offer, especially as a proud member of the Alpha Gamma Rho fraternity. MIZ!
Following in his grandfather’s and father’s footsteps, Matt began his career at Trager Stone Quarries and spent his life working in the rock quarry industry, proving that he was truly a man who could move mountains—or at least blast through them. A man of many passions, Matt was an avid pilot and proud member of the Experimental Aircraft Association. He loved being in the air just as much as he loved cheering on the Kansas City Chiefs and Missouri Tigers, playing numerous rounds of golf and pitch with close friends and family, and spending time at the lake or by the pool—preferably with a cold beer and a good story or joke to tell.
He is preceded in death and lovingly reunited with his parents, Robert and Ruth Trager; father-in-law, Raymond Bowyer; and his beloved sons, Nathaniel Trager and Shawn Trager—both lost far too soon. We find peace in knowing that Matt is now with them again, wrapping his boys in the kind of bear hug only he could give. It’s a reunion we know he longed for, and one that brings comfort amidst our sorrow.
Left to carry on his legacy of love, laughter, and loyalty are his wife, Cindi Trager; his children, Angel Diegelman (Ian), Audrea Hapes (Jon), Randy Hapes, Aaron Trager (Katie), and Amber Humphrey (James). He is also survived by his brother, Mike Trager (Darlene); his sister, Debbie Daly (John); and his mother-in-law, Lucille Bowyer. Matt was also a proud and devoted grandfather to many grandchildren who brought him endless joy. He had a special nickname, inside joke, or funny story with each of them—too many to name here, but every single one knew just how much they were loved. He is also survived by many nieces, nephews, and extended family members who adored him and will carry his stories and sense of humor forward.
We will gather to celebrate and honor Matt’s remarkable life with a rosary and visitation on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Lindley Funeral Home in Chillicothe. The rosary will begin at 6 p.m., with visitation to follow. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, April 15, at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church in Chillicothe, with burial to follow at Wheeling Cemetery. Friends may call at Lindley Funeral Home on Monday, April 14, 2025, from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, the family invites you to consider a donation in Matt’s memory to the Shawn M. Trager Memorial Scholarship or to the University of Kansas Health System to support ongoing cancer research—causes that were close to his heart. Memorial contributions can be left at or mailed to Lindley Funeral Home, PO Box 47, Chillicothe, Missouri, 64601.
