It’s been more than two weeks since a Vandalia man was tragically murdered and his family is still waiting to put him to rest.

Matthew Stewart, 24, lost his life on Nov. 30, when two people murdered him during a botched gun sale. Both people have since been arrested. The family of Stewart will celebrate his life at the Beacon of Hope Church in Vandalia whenever a date can be determined. The family is still awaiting the release of his body while the investigation continues according to someone close to the family.

Stewart graduated from Van-Far High School in 2017 and was continuing his education through online learning and had become proficient in computer operating systems and audio electronics according to his obituary.

Stewart faced challenges in life being born with Asperger’s Syndrome and he battled vision problems. In 2019 Stewart had surgery to help correct his vision which opened up doors for employment. His obituary says he was determined to become a productive member of his community.

“Many times, (Stewart) was told he did not have the qualifications to keep a job but he never gave up,” his obituary says. “He simply applied somewhere else.”

Stewart was a kind person and loved giving gifts throughout the year, not just at Christmas. One of Stewart’s favorite “gigs,” as he referred to them, was helping set up and run sound for bands at concerts. Stewart was a volunteer and ran the sound at Beacon of Hope Church.

Stewart is survived by his mother Linda Stewart and many others. Stewart’s father, Jerry Foiles, preceded him in death.