Matthew David Thomas

Matthew David Thomas, 50, of Harlan, Indiana passed away at home surrounded by his family on Thursday, April 21, 2022.

Matt was born in Fort Wayne on September 9, 1971.  

He was a 1990 graduate of Woodlan Jr/Sr High School, where he played saxophone in the marching, concert, pep and jazz bands. Matt graduated in 1995 from Indiana-Purdue, Fort Wayne with a nursing degree. He worked as a registered nurse in many settings, including rehabilitation, ICU, emergency, cardiology, hospice, cancer treatment and as a public school nurse. He always took the time to connect with his patients and learn their stories.
Most of all, Matt was a husband and father. He even taught himself to braid the hair of his five daughters! Matt was an equal part of parenting his eight children and proudly shared stories of them frequently with others. People often noticed and commented on Matt’s calm and patient demeanor when caring for both his patients and his children.

Matt will be sadly missed by his wife, Shannon (Hughes) Thomas to whom he was married May 9, 1993; children, Emily (Mitch) Hodgen, Madeline (Landon) Carey, Mae, Josiah, Gianna, Abigail, Samuel & Luca Thomas; parents, Lois (Aspinall) and David Thomas; brother, Mark (Charita) Thomas and grandchildren, Gus Hodgen & August Carey. He is also survived by a large and loving extended family including many aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and fathers/mothers/brothers/sisters-in-law.

Viewing is Tuesday, April 26, 2022, 4 PM to 7 PM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church 18330 IN-37, Harlan, Indiana 46743.

His funeral service is Wednesday, April 27, 2022, 10:30 AM with viewing from 9:30 AM to 10:15 AM at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Harlan

Memorials are to Shannon Thomas and may be mailed to Dooley FH, PO Box 452, Antwerp, Ohio 45813.

Matt's family would like to extend their sincere gratitude to Parkview Hospice, Parkview Cancer Institute, Cancer Services of NE Indiana and Erin's House for their care and concern during his illness. Additionally, the outpouring of love and support from friends, family, co-workers, and even strangers has been so appreciated by Matt and his family and will never be forgotten. 

Fond memories may be shared at dooleyfuneralhome.com   FLOWERS AND OTHER TRIBUTES MAY BE DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO THE CHURCH ON TUESDAY, FROM 9 AM TO 1:30 PM.