Matthew Pokojski

Matthew Pokojski ObituaryObituary published on Legacy.com by Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home and Cremation Services - Centralia on Mar. 17, 2026.Matthew Pokojski, a lifelong resident of Centralia, Illinois, passed away on Friday, March 13, 2026, at the age of 61. Born on February 9, 1965, in Centralia, Matthew is the son of Stanley and Doris (Phillips) Pokojski. On November 21, 1987, he married Beth D. Stewart and she survives.A proud alumnus of Southern Illinois University in Carbondale, Matthew graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Education. He leveraged his passion and knowledge by shaping countless young minds over a distinguished 30-year career as a Vocational Agriculture Instructor at Salem, Brownstown, Woodlawn, and Waltonville schools.Matthew's commitment to agriculture extended beyond the classroom. He was an active member of the Marion County Farm Bureau and the Central City Baptist Church. His profound impact on the agricultural community was recognized through accolades such as the Honorary State FFA Degree, and he was a lifetime member of the National FFA Alumni. Additionally, Matthew devoted much of his life to farming and raising cattle in Centralia Township.Matthew leaves behind a loving family, including his devoted wife, Beth D. (Stewart) Pokojski; his son, Tyler Pokojski, and daughter-in-law, Madeline; his cherished mother, Doris Pokojski; his beloved sister, Christa Pokojski; his mother-in-law, Maxine Stewart; and his uncle, W.J. Phillips. He was preceded in death by his father, Stanley Pokojski; his brother, Gregory Pokojski; his grandparents, William T. and Fern (Moklar) Phillips, Dorothy (Verble) Pokojski; and father-in-law, Guy L. Stewart.Friends and family are invited to pay their respects during the visitation on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM at Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home in Centralia. A memorial service celebrating Matthew's life will follow at 5:00 PM.In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Illinois Foundation FFA or the Marion County Farm Bureau Foundation, and will be accepted by the Sutherland-Garnier Funeral Home located at 235 North Sycamore Street Centralia, Illinois 62801, (618)532-3523, who is honored to be of service to Matthew's Family. Online condolences may be made to the family by visiting www.sutherlandfuneralhome.com and the Funeral Home Facebook page. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family please visit our Sympathy Store.Matthew will be remembered for his warmth, wisdom, and unwavering dedication to his family, community, and the agricultural industry. His legacy will continue to inspire all who knew him.To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.