Gerri LeRoy Matson
September 16, 1946 ~ February 10, 2015
Gerri LeRoy Matson, 68, of Jefferson City, was called home to Heaven Tuesday, February 10, 2015, at University Hospital in Columbia, MO surrounded by his loving family.
He was born September 16, 1946, in Harlan, Iowa, the son of the late Gordon B. and Ruth Audell (Betts) Matson. He grew up in the Cresco, IA and Harmony, MN area.
He was a 1966 graduate of Harmony High School and a 1971 graduate of the University of Central Missouri. He wrestled varsity for the Mules and continued his love of sports by teaching and coaching for over 30 years in Missouri and Wyoming.
On August 31, 1968, at St. Matthew Church in Granger, Minn. he was united in marriage to his high school sweetheart Susan "Susie" G. Bestor who still survives.
Gerri loved hunting (especially in Wyoming), fishing, arrowhead hunting, raising pigeons, all animals, reading about American and Native American history, the St. Louis Cardinals, and the Kansas City Royals and Chiefs. Above all, he loved his family.
In addition to his wife Susie, he is survived by three children, Tara Matson, Kansas City; Lisa (Jay) Ernst, New Bloomfield; Cody Matson (Brodie Barnard), Blue Springs, MO; and three grandchildren, Macee, Alisa, and Delainey Ernst. He is also survived by three siblings and other relatives.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Matthew LeRoy Matson; and several relatives.
A memorial service will be held 11 a.m. Saturday, February 21, 2015, at Concord Baptist Church in Jefferson City, MO. A lunch and gathering will follow the service at the church.
Memorial donations are suggested to the American Heart Association, 915 Country Ridge Dr., Jefferson City, MO 65109; or to the family of Gerri Matson.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to send cards to the family may send cards to the funeral home at 3210 North Ten Mile Drive, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or may email tributes or condolences to the family at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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Tara, Lisa, Cody and Mrs. Matson….So very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Matson. He was a wonderful man. MHS/Midwest has never really been the same without the Matsons. Sending hugs from Oiler Country.
Joelle (Gibson) and Kelly (Noorda) Banks
Tara, Lisa, Cody and Mrs. Matson….So very sorry to hear of the loss of Mr. Matson. He was a wonderful man. MHS/Midwest has never really been the same without the Matsons. Sending hugs from Oiler Country.
Joelle (Gibson) and Kelly (Noorda) Banks
Susie so very sorry to hear of you and your family’s loss. I have fond memories of working with you and Gerri at Osage R-III. My heart felt condolences to you and your family. May God Bless you and your family. Please know that you have many prayers and thoughts from your many friends.
Thinking of you all during this time of such a great loss. May joyful memories bring you peace.
Ronna O’Rourke
Thinking of you all during this time of such a great loss. May joyful memories bring you peace.
Ronna O’Rourke
Sending my deepest sympathies. To all of you during this tuf period ! Mr . Matson was a great influence on myself during my years at MHS . Wonderful teacher, friend , and person he will forever be remembered .
I am so very sorry for your loss! Sending my most heartfelt sympathy to all of you. May your hearts find comfort in your treasured memories. Sending love to all of you!
I so sorry for your loss. He world lost a wonderful man when The Lord took him to be by his side. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and sadness. Cherish those wonderful memories that you all made, they will comfort you always.
Carol Garwood-Beard
I so sorry for your loss. He world lost a wonderful man when The Lord took him to be by his side. My heartfelt thoughts and prayers are with you in this time of sorrow and sadness. Cherish those wonderful memories that you all made, they will comfort you always.
Carol Garwood-Beard
My heart is saddened to lose a Wonderful Teacher and Coach. My thoughts and prayers are with you and family..
Susie, Tara, Lisa, Cody-You have such wonderful, great memories of Gerri. My hope for you is that you take comfort knowing where he is now. He will be greatly missed.
Susie, Mark and I are so sorry to hear of Gerri’s passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Mark & Sharon Serfling
Sorry for your loss guys…
Most sincere sympathy to the whole family. I remember the days when Gerri and Susie walked the halls of Harmony High School. Wrestling meets were the most unforgettable. They seemed to be born for each other. It was always so sad when they had a fight, but sure enough, they’d be back together like two peas in a pod. It seems as if there have been many years where you, the family, have been together to celebrate the best things in life. May you all remember those times and know that you were all blessed to have Gerri come into your life.
God Bless you Gerri.
Thank you for being a great coach and friend. Rick Gasser
God Bless you Gerri.
Thank you for being a great coach and friend. Rick Gasser
Susie, Cody, Tara…so sorry for your loss. He was one of the good ones!
Dear Susie and Family—we are so sorry to hear about Gerri. Please know you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Susie and family, so sad to hear about Gerri. Will always remember the wrestling meets and all the time we spent in the wrestling room. He was a special person, and friend. You will be in my thoughts and prayers. My sincere sympathy to the whole family. Greg and Becky McCabe
Susan, Tara, Lisa, Cody and family. We are so sorry and sending you our deepest Sympathy! He was such a wonderful man as I have many memories of Gerri as I had the pleasure to spend my summers with one of my best friends Lisa for many years! Have always loved your family and still do. Will keep you all in my heart! With Sympathy Jason and Anita. Sending thoughts and prayers from David and Shirley as well!
Matsons…Sorry to hear of Gerri’s passing. May God give you strength trough this time.
I’m sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Psalm 119:28: “I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word.”~jw.org
I’m sorry for your loss. My prayers go out to you and your family.
Psalm 119:28: “I have been sleepless from grief. Strengthen me according to your word.”~jw.org