He was the son of Barbara Matern of Daytona Beach, Fla. and the late Elmer; husband of Cheryl (Burzak) Matern; father of Melissa and Lynsie Matern, both of Fla.; and grandfather of Dylan. He was the stepfather of Thomas and Dakota Bartlett; brother of Robert (Carolyn) Matern, Michael (Sharon) Matern, and Cynthia (Harold Conklin) Russell.

Tom graduated from Gowanda Central, Class of ’77. After graduation, he enlisted with the United States Air Force, deployed during Operation Desert Storm. He was honorably discharged in 1994 after 17 years of service; at the time of his discharge he was a SSGT. Electrical Systems Craftsman serving in the 30th Engineering Squadron out of the Vandenberg Air Force base in California. At the time of his death he was employed with the Municipality of Springville’s Electric Division.

Friends may call from 2 to 4 and 7 to 9 p.m. Friday at the SCHINDLER FUNERAL HOME, 44 Center St. Gowanda, NY (716) 532-4200, where funeral services with full Military Honors will be held Saturday, December 5, 2015 at 11 a.m. with Pastor Brett Davis officiating. Memorials may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project, 4899 Belfort Road Suite 300, Jacksonville, Fla. 32256.