Thomas L. Van Matre

On the morning of Monday, December 11, 2017 Thomas Van Matre, 66, passed away peacefully.

Thomas was born on December 18, 1950 in Muncie, Indiana to the late James and Agnes Cahill Van Matre. At the age of eight, he along with his parents moved to Boynton Beach, Florida where he grew up. A natural athlete, Thomas excelled in baseball at Seacrest High School until his graduation in 1968. In 1970, he enlisted in the United States Army serving during the Vietnam War as a crypto specialist. Thomas then returned to Boynton Beach where he began his career as a maintenance contractor. In 2006, he and his wife moved to Warner Robins, Georgia where they attended the First Assembly at Warner Robins. Thomas enjoyed fishing, playing golf, watching the NFL, especially cheering for the Miami Dolphins and answering all types of trivia questions. He was a loving and devoted husband, father, and friend who will truly be missed by all who knew him.

Along with his parents, his daughter, Megan Turner, brother, James M. Van Matre, and sister, Cecilia Peterson, preceded him in death.

His memory will forever be treasured by his loving wife of 14 years, Katia Van Matre of Warner Robins; children, Rebecca Soto (Norberto) of West Palm Beach, Florida, Thomas Nicholas “Nick” Van Matre of Warner Robins; stepchildren, Julianna Carroll of Macon, Diego Reis (Maely) of West Palm Beach, Florida; grandchildren, Norberto Soto, III, Isabella and Adrianna Carroll, Gabriel and Julia Reis; and sister, Kathy Balletto (Jim) of Kathleen.

Visitation will be Wednesday, December 13, 2017 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at the Assembly at Warner Robins. A funeral service will immediately follow at 11:00 a.m. at the Assembly at Warner Robins. After the service, Mr. Van Matre will be laid to rest in Magnolia Park Cemetery with military honors.

The family will accept flowers or donations may be given in memory of Thomas L. Van Matre
to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, 501 St. Jude Place, Memphis, TN 38105.