Matthew M. Dawson, 48, of McConnelsville, unexpectedly passed away on Saturday, June 27, 2025, at his residence in Alaska. He was born on January 15, 1977, to Rebecca Hileman of Nelsonville, Ohio, and the late Michael D. Dawson of Malta, Ohio.  After high school, Matthew proudly served his country in the U.S. Army, where his passion for world travel first took root.  Matthew was deeply dedicated to his work and, most of all, to his children. He enjoyed learning, reading, hiking, gaming, and cheering on his beloved Ohio State Buckeyes.  He is survived by his mother, Rebecca Hileman of Nelsonville; his three children, Michael Kai Dawson, Dean Sora Dawson, and Neccia Ami Dawson, all of Japan; and his siblings: James R. Seals (Mary) of Wichita, Texas; Douglas J.Seals of Logan; Daniel Seals of Lancaster; Brian Dawson of Malta; Michelle Norman (Jason) of Dayton; James E. Seals of Malta; and Alice Seals of Malta.  He was preceded in death by his father, Michael D. Dawson, step mother, Darlene Dawson, grandparents, Shirley Lowers (Ruby) of Chesterhill, and Clair Dawson (Edna) of Stockport, and several extended family members.  Matthew will be remembered for his big smile, generous heart, exceptional intellect, and his enthusiastic embrace of life.  A memorial gathering will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. at Matheney Funeral Home in McConnelsville. A graveside service will follow immediately at Malta Cemetery in Malta, Ohio.