Thomas E. “Tom” Mattern, age 85, of Nappanee, died at 3:30 p.m. Monday, June 8, 2015, at Elkhart General Hospital where he been admitted May 29 after a brief illness. He was born Feb. 23, 1930, in St. Joseph County to Charles E. and Ruby (Letherman) Mattern.

At the age of 2, the Matterns moved to Locke Township, where Tom lived the rest of his life. He was a 1948 graduate of Wakarusa High School. On Sept. 3, 1950, he married Barbara BeMiller at Jamestown United Methodist Church. Tom had worked at Marty and Ted in Nappanee for 13 years. He retired from Supersweet Feeds (A.D.M.) in 1999 where he been the manager of the Nappanee, Forakar, and Silver Lake Mills for 38 years.

Mr. Mattern was a member of Wakarusa United Methodist Church, where he had taught Sunday School, served on the Administrative Board, and had been Chairman of the Missions Committee for 18 years. While chairman of the Missions Committee, Tom was instrumental in beginning the sale of the famous sausage sandwiches served at the Apple Festival.

He also had been a 4-H leader and Beef club leader for many years. He served on the 4-H Fair Board for 28 years, having just recently retired. Tom was a “thinker” and self educated in many different areas. He enjoyed inventing things and often did things just to “see what would happen.” He enjoyed gardening and taking care of his fruit trees. He also enjoyed traveling. Making maple syrup with his family at their sugar camp was a favorite hobby of his. Sunday nights with family at their home was a favorite time for Tom.

Surviving is his wife: Barbara; children: Jim (Cindi) Mattern, Nappanee; Scott (Alison) Mattern, Goshen; and Jane (John) Leavitt, Nappanee; and Susan (Wade) Snider, Nappanee; 10 grandchildren; 13 great-grandchildren; a 14th great-grandchild is expected in Nov.; and a brother: Richard “Jake” Mattern, Nappanee. He was preceded in death by a brother: John Mattern.

Family and friends may call from 1 p.m. until 8 p.m. Thursday, June 11, at Thompson-Lengacher and Yoder Funeral Home, Nappanee, and for one hour prior to the 10:30 a.m. service, Friday, June 12, at Wakarusa United Methodist Church. Rev. Ed Geleske will officiate, and burial will be in the South Union Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be given to Missions at Wakarusa United Methodist Church.