Lawrence Dean Matson

Lawrence Dean Matson age 89 passed away at the Olathe Medical Center Hospice House on February 23, 2015 following a stroke. Larry was born January 23, 1926 to his parents Wilbur Lynes Matson and Fanny Fern Traylor Matson in Smith Center, Kansas. Following service in the Navy, Larry graduated from Kansas State University with a BA in statistics. While at K-State he met his wife of 66 years, Neola Mae Springer. They were married June 6, 1948.

Larry is survived by his wife Neola; daughters Eliese (Paul) Holt, Shawnee and Laurie (Homer) Matson-Ritter, Merriam; and two sons, Dean (Dixie) Matson, Roseville, California, and Doug (Brenda) Matson Norton. Other survivors include his eight grandchildren Britta Bustamante, Andrew Ritter, Kari Garison, Ashley Hughes, Lynn Matson, Lindsey Hunter and Wes Matson; and 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, his sister Rhea Lou Rohrer, and brother, Robert Mead.

Larry was manager of the grocery store Matson Boogaarts in Smith Center, retiring in 1981. Larry had many hobbies but especially enjoyed square dancing, flying, RVing, and using his electrical and carpentry skills on Volunteers In Mission (VIM) projects throughout Kansas, South Dakota, Arizona, Texas and Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held on Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 2:00 PM, in the Wesley Chapel of the United Methodist Church of the Resurrection (COR), Leawood, KS (135th & Roe). After moving to Shawnee, Larry and Neola did not miss a Sunday watching COR’s streamed church services from their residence at Clover Care Home. A graveside service will be held in Smith Center, KS at a later date. Funeral arrangements are being coordinated by Amos Family Funeral Home, Shawnee, KS.

In lieu of flowers the family requests memorial gifts be given to support VIM’s work at Camp Lakeside with checks payable to Camp Lakeside, 300 E. Scott Lake Rd., Scott City, KS 67871.