Major Mathew Blaze Wharton

Major Mathew Blaze Wharton, age 40, passed away on March 31, 2021 in Kingsland Georgia.

Born October 21, 1980 in Salt Lake City, Utah and raised by mother, Tamara Brune Wharton; along with father, Blaze D Wharton; and step-mother, Lisa Wharton. Matt lived a life of service, dedication, world travel, and adventure.

As a youth Matt loved his friends and family, sports (one of the first Salt Lake Buzz batboys), break-dancing, politics, and hip-hop music. He also served as an altar boy for the Cathedral of the Madeleine in Salt Lake City. A natural entrepreneur, he loved to campaign with his dad, fix up old houses, uplift and motivate everyone he met, and personally change the world. He attended Salt Lake Community College and earned a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at Weber State University. He loved his canine companion, Drake with a warmth that was touching to see. Whether he was busting out the worm at a dance party, or maintaining a top spot on the leaderboard at Orange Theory, Matt’s high energy followed him wherever he went, fueling his accomplishments.

Mathew proudly served over 13 years in the United States Army with tours in Iraq and Afghanistan. His units included the 789th Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD), 20th CBRNE, and command of the 720th EOD. During this time he often acted as a military instructor helping soldiers learn how to detect and avoid Improvised Explosive Devices. He also participated in humanitarian missions around the world assisting in conflict zones with the removal of minefields and other ordnance that remained as a danger to civilians.

He was awarded a Meritorious Service Medal, 3 Army Commendation Medals, an Army Achievement Medal, 2 Iraqi Campaign Medals, an Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and a Bronze Star during his service.

He is survived by his parents, brothers Joseph Green (Jessica (Lopez) Green), Benjamin Green, Nathaniel Wharton, Cole Wharton, sister Kennedy Bottoms (Brian Bottoms), and his beloved nephews Joseph “Joey” Lopez-Green, Marcus Lopez-Green, Andre Lopez-Green, and Avery Lopez-Green.

Mathew's family invites you to celebrate him at his Funeral Service; set for 1 pm on Tuesday, April 20th, 2021, at Neil O'Donnell Funeral Home, 372 East 100 South, Salt Lake City. The Service will be preceded by Open Visitation at 11 am and followed by Interment with military honors at the Salt Lake City Cemetery. The service will also be streamed online at www.neilodonnellfuneralhome.com under the obituary for Matthew select the "Photos/Videos" tab.

In lieu of flowers you may donate in Mathew’s name either to the Be Good Foundation (https://giddyupchallenge.causevox.com) to support mine removal in Laos and repurpose the land for recreational use; or to MAG International (https://www.maginternational.org) for unexploded ordnance disposal all over the world.