Steven Charles Matson was born to Harold W. Matson and Muriel J. (Bolich) Matson, on November 1, 1958. He loved the mountains and rivers of his childhood home, in Washington state and held many happy memories of hunting and fishing and running cattle on Silverstar mountain, which he would spin tales of, to his children and grandchildren. He married Nancy Norma Traffie, the daughter of Isaac and Jennie Traffie, on August 12, 1977. Through 44 years of marriage they always continued to reach for God, truth, and each other, through many joys and sorrows. They have nine surviving children – Tonya (Matson) Douchette of Mount Vernon, Illinois, Jessica (Matson) Seppala and husband, Andrew of Toledo, Ohio, Jenimarie Matson of Taylors, South Carolina, Lincoln Matson and wife, Trina of Trina of Taylors, South Carolina, Daniel Matson and wife, Starlynn of Fitzwilliam, New Hampshire, Troy Matson and wife, Lori of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Ryan Matson of New Ipswich, New Hampshire, Kristy (Matson) Goddard and husband, Reuben of Rindge, New Hampshire, Brynn (Matson) Wallace and husband, Dakota of Toledo, Ohio, and a daughter, Melanie Janette Matson, who preceded him in death on December 26, 1979 and was waiting on the white stairs for her daddy. They have 42 living grandchildren; one great-granddaughter; one great-grandchild on the way; and some precious little ones also waiting in Heaven. Steve loved his siblings: Marilyn, Rosemary, Dave, Joyce, Annette, and baby girl, with his whole heart and they returned that love, fully and freely. There are many more beloved family and friends, both here and gone before. Steve was a deep thinker, always very deliberate, and he often joined conversations, with a wealth of observations, on topics that one would not have thought he would know anything about. His family lovingly recalls him chiming in, when he appeared to be sleeping or otherwise occupied. He loved to play on words and delighted his family with his laughter, twinkling eyes and dimples (that he hid behind a full beard his wife loved). He was talented in many trades, but his passion was driving truck. He could spin a big rig on a dime and fit a truck in the smallest of spaces, where it seemed impossible. The driver’s seat was definitely one of his happy places here on earth and many miles rolled under his wheels, both for work and pleasure. His children have inherited the love for the open road and will take a journey, whenever the opportunity presents itself. His grandchildren were his pride and joy and even though they fondly called him, “Grumpy Grandpa” because of his gruff cover, they loved to climb in his lap and ask for “silly pills” and they would squeal with delight, when he would pretend to not have anything and act all surprised when he pulled out some type of candy or another. Steve passed from this life suddenly, on December 12, 2021, after a short battle with cancer. His final words bring comfort to his family – “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” – 2 Timothy 4:7-8. He will be greatly missed here, but he leaves a lively hope, of a joyful reunion beyond Jordan.
A Visitation will be held Saturday, December 18, 2021 from 10:00 am to 11:00 am at East Salem Baptist Church in Mount Vernon, Illinois. A Funeral Service will begin at 11:00 am with Reverend Don Rector officiating. Interment will follow at East Salem Cemetery. Memorials may be made in Steven’s honor to East Salem Cemetery. Call Hughey Funeral Home at 618-242-3348 or visit hugheyfh.com for further information.
