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Dr. Robert L. Mattern

Dr. Robert L. Mattern, 86, of Wabash, IN, and with survivors in Huntington County, died at 5:40 a.m., Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 at Parkview Wabash Hospital.

Dr. Mattern was a 1952 graduate of Wabash High School. He attended Western Michigan University one year, Indiana University two years and graduated from the IU School of Dentistry in Indianapolis on June 9, 1958.

From 1959-1960, Dr. Mattern served in the U.S. Air Force. He was stationed as a captain in the dental clinic for two years in Columbus, MS. He practiced general dentistry in Wabash from 1960 to 2014.

Dr. Mattern was active on the state level of the Indiana Dental Association, He served as delegate to the American Dental Association and the Indiana State Dental Association. He served 46 years on the Indiana State Council on Dental Education, serving as chairman six years. He also served on the Indiana Dental School Admission Committee. Dr. Mattern was a lifelong member and elder of the Wabash Christian Church. He was an active member of the Wabash Kiwanis Club, serving as president, board member, Lieutenant Governor and Historian. At the Kiwanis he had over 50 years of perfect attendance. He was on the Falls Cemetery Board, serving as president several years. He served on the Wabash City Council from 1963 to 1971. He also served on the Paradise Spring Board for 35 years, including 10 years as president, and was instrumental in clearing the land and planning the park. Dr. Mattern was on the Wabash River Heritage Corridor Commission six years.

He was born April 6, 1934 in Wabash, to Robert G. "Pug" and Dorothy Elizabeth "Dodo" (Milliner) Mattern. He married Barbara Ann Bonewit at the Wabash Street Methodist Church on June 17, 1956, and she preceded him in death Sept. 29, 2020.

He is survived by four children, Dr. Robert J. Mattern of Roann, Diane (Rick) Kerlin of Warsaw, Lisa (Scott) Mattern-Billings and Megan (Josh) Long, both of Wabash; nine grandchildren, Chelsea Traver of Lincolnville, Alley Traver of Wabash, Maxwell (Morgan) Mattern of Roanoke, Sydney Mattern of Roann, Camille Kerlin and Carson Kerlin, both of Warsaw, Karigan Long, Cooper Long and Cruz Long, all of Wabash, three step-grandchildren, Cord Billings and Paige (Garret) Foutch, both of Lafayette, and Grant Billings of Indianapolis; two step-great-grandchildren, Madison and Hadley Foutch of Lafayette; a brother, Thomas (Linda) Mattern and sister, Carol Stefanatos, both of Wabash.

In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by his twin brother, Richard Mattern.

Funeral services were held Wednesday, Dec. 23, at Wabash Christian Church, with Rev. Haley Asberry officiating. Burial was in Falls Cemetery, Wabash.

Preferred memorials are to Wabash Kiwanis Club or Wabash Christian Church.

The memorial guest book for Dr. Mattern may be signed at www.grandstaff-hentgen.com.