Matthew Thomas Sikes

Bartow - Matthew Thomas Sikes, 73, passed away suddenly Friday, December 15, 2017 at Bartow Regional Medical Center. Tommy was born January 20, 1944 to parents Raleigh "Bill" and Odie Mae Sikes. He was a lifelong resident of the Bartow area, and a graduate of Bartow High School. He was a welder and later worked in the instrument calibration department for W.R. Grace Phosphate Co. for 30 years. He was an avid hunter, fisherman and pioneer airboater. He was affectionately referred to as "airboat". Two of his favorate places were Lake Kissimmee and Perry, FL. At Kissimmee, he enjoyed fishing and airboating. During hunting season you could always find him in Perry with some of the best trained and loved Walker dogs. He touched so many people throughout his life. The most valuable gift Tommy gave was sharing his love and appreciation of nature. Those close to him considered him a mentor by sharing his knowledge of airboating, fishing and hunting. We praise God for his life. Tommy is survived by his sister, Diane S. Ward, Bartow; nephew, Jimmy Ward (Kristie), Lake Wales; niece, Pam Ward Craven (Will) , Orlando; great nephews, William & Ethan Craven, great nephew, Kristopher Moore, great great nephew, Jackson Moore and brother-in-law, Jim Ward. Family will receive friends Thursday, December 21, 2017 from 10 - 11 A.M at Whidden-McLean Funeral Home, Bartow. Funeral services will follow at 11:00 A.M. at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the American Lung Association, 851 Outer Road, Orlando, FL 32814. Condolences to family at www.whiddenmcleanfuneralhome.com