BRACEVILLE, Ill. — Mr. Matthew Aaron Ballenger, 29, of Braceville, Ill., passed away suddenly Thursday, Dec. 6, 2012, due to injuries suffered in an automobile accident.

Matthew was born April 7, 1983, in Joliet, Ill. He graduated from Braceville Grade School and Gardner-South Wilmington High School. He was employed by Hoekstra Transport (Trucking) of St. Anne, Ill.

Matthew was lovingly known for his smile, sense of humor, willingness to help anyone and his love of family. He was known to many as Peanut, a name given him in infancy, as well as Bear.