WILLIAMSBURG - Dr. John Wayne Matherne passed peacefully on December 4, 2016 at the age of 71 surrounded by his loving family, who miss him dearly. John was born on December 8, 1944 in Vivian, Louisiana to Vera and Nolan Matherne. John was a graduate of Franklinton (LA) High School, serving as valedictorian of his 1962 class. John received both his BS (Physics 1966) and Ph.D. (Mathematics 1972) from Louisiana State University. He began his career as an Army Lieutenant and then transitioned into a career Civil Servant supporting both the Air Force and Army. In addition to his Federal Government work John was passionate about education and served as an adjunct professor for the College of William & Mary, and was selected as the 1990-1991 visiting professor of mathematics for the United States Military Academy in West Point, NY. In 2005, John retired from the Federal Government as Dean of the Defense Acquisition University, Fort Lee campus. During retirement, John kept himself busy as an independent consultant working with the American Society of Military Comptrollers, SAIC, and the US Army Biometrics Program office. John loved being on the water sailing the Chesapeake Bay and fly-fishing throughout Virginia. John had a special passion for classical music, and cherished his time spent singing with his friends in the Bruton Parish Church Choir. John is survived by his mother, Vera Matherne; his loving wife, Janice Greenwood Matherne; his three children, Christopher Matherne (Donna), Stephen Matherne (Lauren), Beth Nathan (Jay); his beloved grandchildren, and his former wife, Nancy Matherne. The family would like to thank Dr. John Miller and the incredible care teams at Peninsula Cancer Institute of Williamsburg and the Hospice and Support Center of Williamsburg. A celebration of John's life will be held Thursday, December 15, 2016, 2 p.m. at Bruton Parish Church on Duke of Gloucester Street in Williamsburg, VA with interment at the church cemetery. The family will receive guests at a reception immediately following the service at the Parish House. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions in John's honor be made to the Hospice and Support Center of Williamsburg. Please share your stories, fond memories and online condolences at www.nelsencares.com.