In Loving Memory of Matthew Harris Olson

Matthew Harris Olson, 46, of Springdale, born April 15, 1980, was called home on August 8, 2026.

Matthew was someone who loved deeply, laughed easily, and had a way of making the people around him feel seen, accepted, and encouraged.

He loved the outdoors and was happiest when he could be on the water, especially kayaking the Piney and Buffalo Rivers alongside his family and friends. For Matthew, those adventures were made even better by the people he shared them with. He loved thrift-store "junkin'" and the thrill of finding a treasure someone else might have overlooked. He also had what his family would lovingly describe as a minor shoe addiction.

Matthew loved music and had an appreciation for just about every genre. Chances are, if you spent much time with him, he introduced you to a new artist, a new style of music, or a song you hadn't heard before. There always seemed to be a playlist for it somewhere. He also loved watching the Razorbacks play ball and was much more than a fair-weather fan—win or lose, he was always calling the Hogs.

And anyone who knew Matthew knew he believed in layers. No matter the weather, he could almost always be found wearing at least two—even when an Arkansas summer was pushing 115 degrees. Looking back, maybe he was just making sure he was always prepared to give someone the shirt right off his back. Because that was Matthew: if someone needed something and he had it to give, he would.

Matthew was an incredible cook, the kind of person who could look at what seemed like scraps in the kitchen and somehow turn them into a gourmet meal. He loved watching cooking shows, experimenting in the kitchen, and feeding the people he loved. When the family gathered for a meal, Matthew had an especially important job: he was the designated mashed potato and gravy maker. No one else could quite do it like he could.

He was also the undisputed king of pop-culture trivia. The amount of random information stored in his head could blow you away, and you never quite knew what obscure fact he was going to pull out next.

More than anything, Matthew loved his family. One of the roles he treasured most was being an uncle to his five nieces and one nephew. The kids adored him. When they saw Uncle Matthew, they would run to him and jump into his arms for one of his big bear hugs. He loved them fiercely, and they knew it.

Matthew also had an especially tender heart for people who were struggling. He was an encourager to those facing addiction and to people walking through difficult seasons of all kinds. He had a special place in his heart for anyone who was hurting or struggling, whatever that struggle might be. He saw the person beyond the struggle and met people with kindness, compassion, and encouragement rather than judgment. He wanted people to know that they mattered and that someone was in their corner.

Matthew will be remembered for his kindness and humor, his incredible meals, his mashed potatoes and gravy, his endless collection of random facts, his playlists, Razorback games, adventures on the water, thrift-store treasures, shoes, ever-present layers, and those big bear hugs. Most of all, he will be remembered for the way he loved his people.

He is survived by his mother, Donna Olson; his father, Steve Olson (Susie); his sister, Erin Werner (Ryan), and their children, Stella, Annie, and Rex; his sister, Stephanie Crabtree (Jake), and their daughters, Emory, Molly, and Lily; his sister, Sara; and many more friends, family, and loved ones.

Matthew's absence leaves an immeasurable space in the lives of those who loved him. But his family will carry forward the laughter, meals, music, adventures, encouragement, bear hugs, and countless memories he gave them. His life made a difference, and he will be deeply loved and deeply missed.

The funeral service will be at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Connect Church, with the Rev. Billy Ellis officiating. Matthew will be laid to rest at Oakland Cemetery in Russellville, under the direction of Shinn Funeral Service of Russellville.

The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 6:00 p.m. on Tuesday at the funeral home.

Pallbearers are Chip Wilson, Sent Xayaveth, Chris Rodgers, Jake Crabtree, Ryan Werner and Steve Olson.

Honorary pallbearer is Craig Ellis.

Memorials may be made out to smartrecovery.org

Online guestbook and condolences available at www.shinnfuneral.com.