Lockhart soldier killed in car accident

By LPR Staff
Editor/POST-REGISTER

A former Lockhart resident with close ties to the community died on Friday, June 12, after sustaining injuries in a car accident.

According to a release from the 82nd Airborne Division’s Public Affairs Office, Spc. Matthew B. Thomas, who was stationed with the 82nd Airborne in Ft. Bragg, N.C., died after being involv

ed in a vehicle accident in Fayettville, N.C.

The accident is still under investigation by local authorities, the release said.

Thomas, who enlisted in the U.S. Army in 2004, was 23. His primary function with the 82 nd Airborne was as a wheeled-vehicle mechanic, but he was a decorated soldier, having received the Army Commendation Medal, an Army Good Conduct Medal, a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon and a Parachutist Badge.
Thomas is survived by his wife, Cynthia, and his daughters, Natali and Charlie, as well as his parents, Ron Thomas and Cathy Thomas, his grandparents, aunts, uncles and several other relatives.

According to McCurdy Funeral Home, which is handling services for the Thomas family, Spc. Thomas will be buried with full military honors at Fort Sam Houston Cemetery in San Antonio after funeral services are held locally on Monday.

Thomas’ remains arrived in Texas on Wednesday afternoon, and were escorted to McCurdy Funeral Home by the Texas Patriot Guard Riders, a group of motorcycle riders who are dedicated to serving fallen soldiers and their families.

A celebration of Spc. Thomas’ life will be held in the Parish Hall of St. Mary’s of the Visitation Catholic Church from 3 – 6 p.m. on Sunday, June 21. Afterward, the family will receive visitors at McCurdy Funeral Home.

Funeral services are scheduled at 10:30 a.m. on Monday, June 22 at McCurdy Funeral Home in Lockhart.