Sgt. Matthew Allen Thomas

United States Army Veteran Matt Thomas was a native of Coquille Oregon who served from 2002 until 2008 with the 101st Airborne Air Assault as a helicopter mechanic. His decorated service included two tours of Iraq in 2003 and 2005. Among his many awards, he received 4 Army Commendation Medals, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal with a second star, and his Air Assault Badge.

He was a loyal friend, a community volunteer, a student, and a caring mentor with a spirit of service. Matt was at peace in the outdoors whether hiking, fishing, or crabbing. He was an avid survivalist, more than willing to share advice and guidance to any of his friends. To many of his friends, he was “The Mechanic” not only for his past military career, but also his willingness to step in and assist with any mechanical or construction project. His infectious laughter, personality, and sense of humor brought smiles to everyone around him.

As a community volunteer, Matt was a past member of American Legion Post 34, AMVETS Post 10, the Coos Bay Eagles, and Oregon South Coast Patriot Guard Riders. He contributed countless volunteer hours to numerous projects including: Bryan’s Home, American Legion post 34 roof rebuild, volunteer security for UTV Takeover Coos Bay and the Coos County Fair. He was an advocate for Veteran Suicide Awareness. 

At Southwestern Oregon Community College, Matt was a welding student who mentored many of his classmates. He was a member of the Southwestern Student Veterans Organization, and he participated in the Southwestern Physics Experimental Atmospheric Research (SPEAR) Group.

Matt passed away May 10, 2021 in Coos Bay, Oregon.  He is survived by family and many close friends, who proudly became his extended family. Services will be held at 3:30 pm, Saturday, May 22, 2021 at Bible Baptist Church, 1226 N. Dean Street, Coquille, Oregon.

In lieu of flowers, family and friends encourage donations to AMVETS Post 10 or Southwestern Oregon Veterans Outreach to help continue Matt’s legacy of support for his Veteran brothers and sisters. Donations can be made through: AMVETS Post 10, 1810 Ocean Blvd SE Coos Bay, OR 97420 or SOVO at 1611 Virginia Ave, PO Box 406 North Bend, OR 97459

Arrangements are under the care of Coos Bay Chapel, 541-267-3131. Friends and family are invited to sign the online guestbook at www.coosbayareafunerals.com

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