Matthew Dollar Obituary

Matthew Allen Dollar, 66, of Lawrence, Kansas passed away on January 20, 2026, at his home surrounded by his family and friends.

He was born on July 10, 1959, in Great Bend, Kansas to John and Diane (Hills) Dollar and baby brother of Allison Dollar. Matt enjoyed an idyllic childhood in Manhattan, KS. He graduated from beloved Eugene Field Elementary and cultivated many lifelong friendships at Manhattan High School. After graduation in 1977, Matt worked a variety of jobs, primarily at restaurants, including JD's Italian Garden. Matt really enjoyed life. He loved spending time with his friends listening to records, and attending concerts. He often said the greatest concert he ever saw was probably Yes in October, 1977, but he also fondly remembered seeing The Kinks, The Grateful Dead, Jerry Jeff Walker, The Sir Douglas Quintet, and Jeff Beck at the Ronnie Lane ARMS concert among others.

Matt began his musical career as a guitarist in earnest during this time, forming a series of short-lived bands with his friends, including Combo Nova, Oh Man Yeah!, and Combo Yo Mambo. He also started experimenting with writing his own songs. In 1983, Matt followed bandmate John Bode to California, where he lived for close to 2 years, returning to Manhattan around New Year's 1985. John and Matt started a duo, The Lonesome Houndogs, which quickly became a 4-piece band. Matt and John named the band after hearing steel guitarist Don Helms perform; they felt the sweet emotional sound of his instrument was like the howl of a lonesome hound. Matt performed with the Houndogs for many years and made many friends during this time. He became well-respected for his laid-back guitar style and sense of humor. In the wake of his passing, many fans have remarked that this band formed the soundtrack of one of the best eras of their lives.

During fall 1985 and early 1986, the band moved to Lawrence, KS. Matt continued to earn a living in the restaurant industry, cooking at The Cornucopia and Kaspar's Bar and Grill in Lawrence. Matt attended the University of Kansas where he earned BA and MA degrees in History. Matt had a life-long interest in US history and read many books on the subject. An avid reader, he also loved biographies, particularly of musicians. While attending KU, Matt married Gretchen Horner (later divorced) and became a proud parent. He was a dedicated father who loved spending time with his son Orion, who became a frequent guest at sound checks.

In 2011 Matt began a long-term relationship with Annemarie Chilton. It is obvious to everyone who knows them that they were never happier than when they were together. Annemarie could be seen on the dance floor at every show from that point onward.

Matt worked at the University of Kansas in various capacities including at the Kansas Union, the department of Continuing Education, and Higuchi Biosciences Center before retiring after 20 years from the Office of Research (KUCR). Matt was well known around Lawrence. He had a special knack for being able to relate to virtually anyone he met. His easy-going style and good humor were infectious, leading him to be beloved by many. A proud and out-spoken liberal, Matt could find common ground with anyone willing to talk honestly.

Matt retired before the traditional retirement age because he wanted to focus on playing his preferred instrument, the pedal steel guitar. He took full advantage of this time, becoming a highly respected professional musician. He performed regularly, playing guitar in The Lonesome Houndogs and Rest for the Wicked and Pedal Steel Guitar in The Big Rigs, Twilight Ranchers, Cryin' Out Loud, Getty Township, Meat Raffle Road, Wakarusa River Band, and Buck Creek. A selfless player who always sought to find just the right part to serve the song, Matt's presence will be sorely missed in the Lawrence music scene. Matt will also be missed by many a bartender as he was the best tipper in Lawrence!

Happy trails on the high prairies dear friend.

Survivors include his son Orion, sister Allison, partner Annemarie Chilton, and many musical brothers and sisters from his years of musical performance. The family is planning a celebration of Matt's life for the spring of 2026