Matthew Jacob McLaughlin, 25, passed away July 25, 2025, in New Mexico. He was born May 1, 2000, in Virginia the son of Rebecca E. (Canupp) McLaughlin. He had a wonderful relationship with his mother and would always say he was a “Mama’s Boy”.

Matthew was an U.S. Army Soldier as well as an artist who also enjoyed reading Percy Jackson Books and gardening. He enjoyed playing paintball with his family and friends, loved playing ultimate frisbee, loved all animals, and his favorite song was Country Roads by John Denver. Matthew was a very kind and generous soul who would do anything for anybody, and he was always there rooting for the underdog. All the young kids would always look up to him and every older person would view Matt as their kid or grandkid. Above all else he loved spending time with his family, was a hero who protected many people and had a memorable laugh that will truly be missed.

In addition to his mother Rebecca, Matthew is also survived by his sisters Sarah, Emily, Kayla and Sophie; his brothers Lawrence (Kayla), Joseph and Jonathan; maternal grandparents Eugene and Susan Canupp; aunts and uncles Brenda Marcotte (Rene), Cindy Canupp and Eugene Canupp Jr. (Iulia) and their daughter Lorelai; nieces and nephews Ava, William, Paisley and Jackson Matthew; best friends Payne and Mason; dear friends Shelise, Sadie, Angie “his second mom”, Mariel, Mickey, Karen and many more dear and loving friends and family. He is also survived by his little sister Samantha and his father Barry McLaughlin.

Matthew was preceded in death by his Dear Friend and Father Figure Timothy Bowman.

Matthews family would like to give a very special thank you to Deputy Byers in New Mexico for all his time, efforts, care and compassion that he has shown through this very difficult time. Matthews family is also very grateful for the “family” he has at the Chili Line Depot Restaurant in New Mexico.

Relatives and friends are invited to his Celebration of Life on Wednesday June 3 at 12:00pm with visitation beginning at 11:00am at Omps Funeral Home, Amherst Chapel, 1600 Amherst St., Winchester. John Dick of Crossroads Community Church in Winchester will celebrate the service. Interment will be private. For the Celebration of Matthew’s Life please wear his favorite colors of dark blue, shades of gray and medium to dark greens.

Memorial contributions in memory of Matthew may be brought to the Funeral Home and given to the family towards a memorial bench which will be in the Garden of Hope Serenity Garden at Winchester’s Weaver Park. Donations will also go towards a non-profit which will be established in memory of Matthew.