Matthew Wayne Hylton, age 46, peacefully completed his earthly journey on Tuesday, February 16, 2021. Matthew, known to most as Matt, was born on May 17, 1974 in Baltimore, MD to Jerry D. and Joyce A. (Smelser) Hylton. At an early age, Matt became interested in music, entertaining friends and family members with his Elvis Presley impersonations. By age nine he was playing drums and formed a band with neighborhood friends. Matt also began to develop his talent for drawing which would eventually become his livelihood. By high school, he began painting cars and did so until the age of 23 when he felt the Lord urge him to go to Bible college. He attended Valley Forge Bible College in Valley Forge,  PA. After pastoring for a number of years and experiencing a decline in his health, due to obesity, he shifted away from pastoring and into a new phase of life.

Here are his own words from his website (everydaycoffeeconversations), "I was 625 pounds, a broken, mangled mess, of a man who was hurting, depressed, and slowly killing myself due to being super morbidly obese. I was a pitiful excuse of human existence walking around in constant physical and emotional pain. On January 5, 2012 I made a dramatic life change. Like a boxer I have been on a comeback trail to regaining my life, a new life, a real life, a TRUE LIFE. I have lost 255 pounds naturally in 2 years time not using any kind of pills, powders, or fad diets. I continue daily to eat right, workout hard, and serve my God knowing that all is being restored back to me. Everything is NEW and nothing is from my previous life. 'IF GOD CAN DO IT IN ME, HE CAN DO IT IN YOU.'"

Following his transformation, he became a health blogger and speaker. In 2017, he met the love of his life, Sarah. They met through Facebook through what some would call chance and others would call Divine appointment. In 6 months, they were married and Matt moved from MD to OK to be with Sarah and her sons.  Matt continued his caricature business, swimming, working out, and blogging.

Matt never met a stranger. His fun-loving and charismatic personality drew people in. He enjoyed coffee and good conversation. He enjoyed listening to a wide range of musical genres and watching old movies, sci-fi, superhero fiction (especially Superman), and cooking shows.

In 2019, Matt was diagnosed with cancer. He overcame, but other health issues followed. Soon cancer returned, stripping his ability to swallow or speak clearly, and paralyzing his dominant hand. Through it all, Matt never gave up or lost heart. In the end, he was physically tired and weak but his spirit of determination remained.  On the night before his final departure, Matt told Sarah an angel was calling. He didn't go right away though. He lingered and talked with her. They recalled parts of their love story together.  Amazingly, she didn't have any trouble understanding him, even though his speech was still slurred. As the angel continued to bid him, Matt finally told Sarah he really had to go. He fell into a comfortable sleep and continued that way for several more hours before his final departure.

He is survived by his wife Sarah Marie (Lessley) Hylton, three stepsons, Matthew and Emilee White, Jason White, Caleb White, mother Joyce Dennis, one sister, Sherry and Jim Collver, two nephews James Collver and Jerod Collver and fiance Alina, father and mother-in-law Terry L. and Sarah C. Lessley, and one step grandson Karter White, five uncles, six aunts, numerous cousins, and many friends and loved ones. He is preceded in death by father Jerry, stepfather Lou Dennis, maternal grandparents Willie and Lottie Smelser,  and paternal grandparents Arvil Hylton and Pauline Kluka.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m., Monday, February 22nd, 2021 at Madill First Assembly of God in Madill, Oklahoma. Rev. Jeff Manuel officiating. Cremation under the direction of Watt's Funeral Home Madill Oklahoma.