Thomas Oliver Mathers

Thomas “Tom” Oliver Mathers, 79, passed away Thursday, September 25, 2025, at his home in Mokelumne Hill, surrounded by family. He fought a long and courageous battle with cancer.

Tom was born and raised in Antioch, California, where he met and married his high school sweetheart, Bonnie. He often said that from the first time he met her, he knew she would be the one he would marry—and he did. They celebrated 60 years of marriage together.

Tom pursued his lifelong passion of becoming a firefighter, retiring as a captain after 38 years with Contra Costa County. Beyond his career, he enjoyed fishing, skiing in his younger years, and traveling. He especially loved camping with his family, particularly with his three sons. Woodworking was another favorite pastime, and he was known for sharing stories with anyone who would listen.

A man of faith, Tom was a longtime member of St. Andrew's Catholic Church. After moving to Mokelumne Hill 35 years ago, he and Bonnie became active at St. Thomas Catholic Church. He loved greeting parishioners and lending a hand to the ladies as they climbed the church steps.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Floyd and Myrtle Mathers; brothers, Floyd (wife Anna) and Jerry (wife Sherry); and sisters, Evelyn Alice, Donna Coggin (husband David), Mary June, Beverly Cavalli (husband Edward), and Virginia Stone (husband Calvin).

Tom is survived by his wife of 60 years, Bonnie Mathers of Mokelumne Hill; three sons: Thomas John Mathers (wife Katie) of Bay Point, California; James Patrick Mathers of Brentwood, California; Christopher Shaun Mathers (wife Christy) of Granite Bay, California; and former daughter-in-law Kristy. He is also survived by nine grandchildren—Christopher (wife Michelle), Nicolle (fiancé Adam), Dylan, Brendan, David, Brandilyn, Jeremy, Nic (wife Jeanette), and Kiersten—and three great-grandchildren: Maeve, Reina, and Isaiah.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Friday, October 24, 2025, at 11:00 am at St. Andrew’s Catholic Church in San Andreas, California. A luncheon will follow at St. Andrew's Hall.

Interment of Tom's ashes will take place at Holy Cross Cemetery in Antioch, California. A private ceremony for immediate family only will be held on October 28, 2025, 11:00a.m.

In lieu of flowers, please make a donation to Hospice of Amador & Calaveras County at hospiceofamador.org.