Matthew Andrew Bennett

Matthew Andrew Bennett, Age 51, of Des Moines, Iowa, passed away on May 23rd, 2026.

Matt was born on December 20th, 1974 in Des Moines to Marcena and John Bennett. Matt was raised on the East Side and graduated Des Moines East High School in 1993. Matt married Lynann in November of 1995 and together raised their four children. 

Matt served as founder of Des Moines Paranormal Activity Research Team, DPART, for many years and many investigations. Matt volunteered for the Save the Children Network and was an advocate for Head Start and Pre-K educational opportunities and access. In his free time, Matt often enjoyed gaming online with friends under the tag FelixtheCat. He also enjoyed Star Wars, Star Trek, NASCAR racing, attending live music, and time with family.

Matt is preceded in death by his parents, Marcena and John, as well as his mother-in-law, Joelle Bose and grandmother, Rachel Haines.

Matt is survived by his wife, Lynann and children, JD Hill, Sarah (Troy) Chandler, Liz (Alan Zapinski) Bennett, and Matthew L. Bennett, and a host of aunts, uncles, cousins and extended family.

A Remembrance Gathering will be held for friends and family on Thursday, June 11th from 4:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. at Mahaffy Shelter in Grandview Park, 3230 Easton Blvd., Des Moines, IA 50317.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to NAMI Iowa or the Recovery & Renewal project.