06/10/2026
Matthew Joseph McDonnell, 78, of Billings, Montana, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Monday, May 25, 2026, Memorial Day.
Matt was born on October 3, 1947, in Lewistown, Montana, to Milton “Sam” and Nileen McDonnell. He was one of eight children, growing up alongside his siblings Andy, John, Patrick, Sara, Margaret, Mary, and Denny. From an early age, Matt possessed the determination, work ethic, and entrepreneurial spirit that would define his life.
Matt met the love of his life, Shirley, while they were in high school, and they married soon after. Their marriage became a lasting example of love, faith, commitment, and family for their children and grandchildren. Together, they began building their life in Great Falls, where Matt entered the collision repair industry. His work ethic was unmatched. By day, he worked in the body shop, and by night, he taught himself furniture upholstery—always willing to do whatever it took to provide for his family.
In 1978, after moving to Billings, Matt founded Big Sky Crash Repair. What began as a local business grew into a respected company with locations and relationships across Montana. Through hard work, integrity, and a genuine love for people, Matt earned the trust and respect of customers, colleagues, and friends throughout the state and beyond. His leadership extended well beyond business. He served on numerous banking, healthcare, educational, and community boards, including the foundations supporting Billings Central Catholic High School.
While Matt’s professional accomplishments were significant, those who knew him best understood that some of his happiest moments were spent on the golf course. He loved the game, the friendships it fostered, and the stories that came from every round. He traveled far and wide with his closest friends in pursuit of great golf, great laughs, and, whenever possible, another victory over his buddies. He often joked that one of his greatest accomplishments was beating his friends on the course—and those fortunate enough to play with him knew there was more than a little truth in that.
Above all else, Matt was a man of faith. His love for Jesus was evident in the way he lived and in every interaction he had with others. He possessed a rare gift for making people feel valued, welcomed, and important. Whether you had known him for years or had just met him, Matt had a way of making you feel like an old friend.
Though Matt touched countless lives through his work, friendships, and community involvement, his family remained his greatest blessing and proudest accomplishment. He is survived by his beloved wife, Shirley; his children, Bryan, John, Matthew, and Christy; 14 grandchildren; and 7 great-grandchildren. Matt often said that grandchildren were “the dessert of life,” and he cherished every opportunity to be with them.
Matt will be remembered for his generosity, leadership, sense of humor, unwavering work ethic, deep faith, and steadfast devotion to family and friends. He leaves behind a legacy of hard work, service, friendship, and love that will continue to inspire all who knew him.
A Memorial Mass will be celebrated at noon on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, at St. Patrick Co-Cathedral in Billings, Montana. A reception celebrating Matt’s life will immediately follow at Yellowstone Country Club.
To those fortunate enough to know him, Matt was far more than a successful businessman, dedicated community leader, or passionate golfer. He was a devoted husband, loving father, proud grandfather and great-grandfather, trusted friend, and a man whose life made the lives of others better. He will be deeply missed, fondly remembered, and forever loved.
