Matthew E Loar

Matthew Emet Loar, Shalimar, FL; born July 27, 1925 in Fullerton, California passed away July 1, 2016 following a brief illness. A true gentleman of the Greatest Generation, Matt was raised in Southern Indiana. He was active in Boy Scouting and became an Eagle Scout at age 13. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1943 after graduating from Mitchell High School. He was commissioned and earned his wings in 1945. He flew B-47's and B-52's during the Korean War with 55 combat missions to his credit. His final assignment in the Air Force was Hurlburt Field. He retired after 31 years of active duty as a command pilot. After spending time sailing to the Bahamas in his 30ft sailboat he settled in the area in the early 70's. He graduated Summa Cum Laude from Troy State University in 1980. He joined FEMA in 1984 as a Reports and Congressional Liaison Officer working Hurricane Hugo and many other natural disasters around the United States. He was preceded in death by his parents, his siblings and his first wife of 37 years, Wilma June Williams Loar. He is survived by his second wife Margaret Motley Loar (Maggie) of 31 years and his daughter Peggy (Robert) Jensen, sons Michael and William. He is also survived by his grandsons, John Caruso, Paul Jensen, Patrick Loar and Macaulay Loar; his stepchildren Patricia Motley and Buddy (Leigh Ann) Motley, step-grandchildren, Jennifer (Charlie) Hayes, Kadie Motley, Joseph Motley and three great grandchildren. Matt was an active member of the community; volunteering and serving as President of Sharing & Caring, driving for over 20 years for the American Cancer Society Road to Recovery Program, Board of Directors of Shalimar Pointe Homeowners Association, past member of Krewe of Billy Bowlegs and life member of the Ft. Walton Yacht Club where he served as Commodore in 1992. Memorial service to be held 11:00 AM., Friday, July 8, 2016 at Emerald Coast Funeral Home on Racetrack Road, with a visitation beginning at 10:00 the same day. There will be a Celebration of Life reception following the service at the Ft. Walton Yacht club. A gesture of anonymous kindness would be an appropriate way to honor his memory. His favorite charities were SOCKs and Sharing and Caring of Ft. Walton Beach. The family wishes to thank the staff of Regency Hospice and Ft. Walton Rehabilitation Center for his care. The guest register may be signed on line at EmeraldCoast FuneralHome.com