Matthew Thomas Gump

In Loving Memory of Matthew Thomas Gump

Matthew Thomas Gump, born July 5, 1983, in St. Helens, Oregon, passed away on July 27, 2025, in Mountain Home, Idaho. A devoted father, respected veteran, and selfless public servant, Matt’s life was marked by unwavering dedication to his country, his community, and those he loved.

Matt spent many years in Carthage, NY, where he wore many hats with pride and purpose—as a company Captain, Department Chaplain, and Treasurer for the West Carthage Fire Department. His commitment to public service extended to his role with the Jefferson County STAR team and membership in the Elks Lodge #1762, the American Legion Post 789, and the VFW Dionne- Rumble Post 7227. Matt also served 1.5 terms as Town Councilman for the Town of Champion, further reflecting his deep commitment to civic duty.

Matt served in the United States Army from 2001 to 2019, with distinction in the 571st Military Police Company at Fort Lewis, as a recruiter in Prescott, AZ, and a station commander in Sand Springs, OK, and Wenatchee, WA. He also served with the 91st MP Battalion at Fort Drum, the 206th MP Company of the NY Guard out of Latham, NY, and the Warrior Transition Battalion at Fort Drum. He retired as a Sergeant First Class after 18 years of honorable service.

Following his retirement in 2019, Matt continued his mission of service through the New York State Department of Veteran Services, helping fellow veterans secure the benefits they had earned. His commitment carried him to Mountain Home, ID, where he worked with the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, a law firm representing veterans, and eventually co-founded his own accredited organization serving the veteran community.

Beyond his professional achievements, Matt was a lively soul who filled every room with humor and heart. His family cherishes memories of holiday food fights, chocolate fondue-dipped broccoli, countless camping adventures, and an abundance of laughter. His love for his children was steadfast, and he lived for the moments they shared.

Matt is survived by his four children: Kaycee Gump of Carthage, NY; Anthony Martin of Manhattan, KS; Trysta Castaneda (Carlos) of Kingman, AZ; and Isabel Gump of Orlando, FL; as well as their mother, Amanda Gump of Carthage. He also leaves behind three grandchildren; his mother and stepfather, Suzanne and Wayne Weber of Scappoose, OR; brothers Brad Gump (Heather) and Josh Weber (Samantha); sisters Staci Friend (Jeff) and Michelle Weber; grandmother Joan Engeman; and so many extended family members. He was preceded in death by his father Ronny Gump, grandfather, Wallace Engeman, and his beloved service dog, Ezra.

A memorial service with fire department and military honors will be held Sunday, August 10th at 2PM, led by the Reverend Canon Samuel P. Lundy, Jefferson County Fire Chaplain, at the West Carthage Fire Department, 61 High Street, Carthage, NY. Friends, fellow veterans, and community members who knew Matt or were touched by his service are warmly welcome. 

A graveside service will follow in Scappoose, Oregon on Saturday, August 23rd at 11 AM Pacific, at Columbia Memorial Gardens, 54490 Columbia River Highway.

In lieu of cut flowers, living plants may be dropped off at the West Carthage Fire Station so Matt’s children may carry forward their father’s memory. Donations may also be made to the West Carthage Fire Department or the Til Valhalla Project, which works to prevent veteran suicide and honors the legacy of fallen soldiers.