Thomas Joseph Matthews, 88 of Lady Lake went to be with the Lord on November 25, 2014. He was born March 26, 1926 in Philadelphia, PA. Tom came from a very large, loving Irish family. After High School as a young man he joined the Army Air Corps where he was honorably discharged in December of 1946. While serving his country during World War II he was assigned to the 8th Air Force as a trained flight engineer. Tom married his sweetheart Evelyn Elizabeth Besch in 1950 and they had many wonderful years together. Tom worked at Philadelphia Gas works for 34 years. After retirement he moved to Lady Lake to enjoy the warm weather of Florida. He was a proud member of American Legion post 347 for many years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, reading, home repairs, boating and most of all spending time with his family. Tom is preceded in death by his loving wife Evelyn of 60 years. He is survived by his daughters, Evelyn Groom, Eileen Matthews, Elizabeth Gaebel and Ellen Cooper; 8 grandchildren; 7 great grandchildren; 5 brothers; 2 sisters and numerous nieces and nephews. The Family will be receiving friends Thursday, December 4th, 2014 from 9:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., at Hiers Baxley Funeral Services, The Villages with a service to follow. Interment will follow at Florida National Cemetery in Bushnell at 2 p.m. In lieu of flowers donations can be made in his name to Hospice of Marion County.
