Mathew Phillip Hirt II (Phil), 82, of Shawnee, KS, died surrounded by family on May 8, 2026. Phil was born to Mathew and Martha on July 14, 1943. After attending St. Joseph grade and High School and St Benedict's College (Benedictine), he began teaching Spanish and Social Studies at Bishop Ward High School where he also served as assistant basketball and football coach.
Phil was drafted in 1968 into the United States Army; he served in Vietnam from 1969 until 1970 with the 101 st Airborne Division. He achieved the rank of Sergeant before being honorably discharged and returning home. He began working as a Manufacturer's Sales Representative with his father and brother at M.P. Hirt and Sons until his retirement in 2009. As a life-long Shawnee resident he had immense pride for his community. He was deeply involved in his parish community as well, serving 18 years as CYO Director for St. Joseph Parish, also coaching various basketball and volleyball teams and on the Archdiocesan CYO Executive Board. His passion for basketball kept him refereeing for decades. During his retirement, he returned to the classroom as a highly requested substitute teacher for Turner High School and received the Substitute of the Year award in 2019.
Phil loved to travel and had an equal appreciation for the beach and the mountains. He enjoyed being in the beauty of God's creation whether it was on hikes, bike rides, or playing a round of golf. He was an avid gardener who always ensured that the tomatoes, beans, peaches, and other produce were meticulously cared for and picked at peak ripeness. Phil shared his passion for the Chiefs, Jayhawks (especially basketball), and Royals with his family and always made sure to not miss a game.
Later in his life, Veterans Day became a highlight of his year. He saw it as a time to celebrate and reclaim the pride of his service alongside his fellow service members. He never missed an opportunity to connect with a fellow veteran, no matter where he was. His experiences attending ceremonies at the Veterans Cemetery in Hawaii and his deeply moving Honor Flight to DC last April helped him find a sense of peace that had always been missing since his return from Vietnam. He found immense joy and healing in honoring the legacy of all who served.
Phil is survived by his loving wife of 50 years, Kathleen as well as his children, Mathew Phillip Hirt III, Eric Hirt, Dr. Kelly (Kristoffer) Barikmo, Kristy Hirt, Kevin Hirt, Kaitlyn (Phillip) Martinez, and Kyle (Elizabeth) Hirt. He was preceded in death by his parents, his sisters Anne Schweiger and Louise Trader, brother Joseph Hirt, and daughter-in-law Melanie Hirt. He is also survived by his 7 grandchildren: Kaleb, Jackson, Kiley, Konnor, Kolbe, Martha, and Clare.
Please join us in celebrating his life on Wednesday, May 13, 2026 from 4-6:00 PM at Porter Funeral Home in Lenexa, Kansas with a Rosary prayed at 4:00 PM. Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:00 AM, Thursday, May 14, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Shawnee, KS. In lieu of flowers the family asks you to consider a donation to the Veterans Honor Flight (which he was honored to be a part of in 2025 or donations to St. Joseph Parish's Generations Growing Together campaign.