Gary L. Matteson, age 72 of La Plata, Missouri, passed away Tuesday, June 22, 2021 at Economy, Missouri.
Born November 29, 1948 in Columbia, Missouri, the son of Alexander M. and Wanda L. (Lawson) Matteson.
Surviving are his mother, Wanda Matteson of La Plata, Missouri; life partner, Donna Cook of the home; two sons, Jeremy (Shawnna) Matteson of Columbia, Missouri and Cory (Deavon) Cook of La Plata, Missouri; three daughters, Stephanie McDonald (Kip) of Louisville, Colorado, Cary (Charles) Cook of Macon, Missouri, and Kelly (Jarod) Moore of Macon, Missouri; four brothers, Stoney (Polly) Matteson of La Plata, Missouri, David (Teresa) Matteson of Santiquin, Utah, Dale (Robin) Matteson of La Plata, Missouri, and Paul Matteson of La Plata, Missouri; three sisters, Carol (Kelly) Buxton of Columbia, Missouri, Elaine (James) Scudder of Kirksville, Missouri, and Sue (Tade) Sullivan of Blue Hill, Maine; eleven grandchildren, Oliver and Aidan Matteson, Jason McDonald, Faith and Baylon, Kolbee, Ty, Tynan, Cash, Kendrick, Khayne, and Kearstyn; and three great grandchildren, Alex McDonald, Tynlee and Wilzee Belt.
He was preceded in death by his son James Matteson and father A. M. Matteson.
Gary was a 1966 graduate of La Plata High School and attended the University of Missouri in Columbia, Missouri. He then joined the U.S. Army, serving time in Fort Lewis, Washington and South Korea.
Upon returning stateside, he worked for the family farm as well as the Gault family. Gary purchased his own farm and entered into partnerships with his father, A.M. and brother, Stoney. He spent many years as an over-the-road truck driver.
Gary was a member of the La Plata United Methodist Church. In later years, he was an active member of the community, helping friends and family, and showing off his grandkids.
Graveside services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, July 1, 2021 at the La Plata Cemetery in La Plata, Missouri. Officiating will be Pastor Carlos Coy.
Visitation will be Thursday, July1, 2021 with the family receiving friends from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Travis Funeral Chapel in La Plata.
Memorials in memory of Gary may be made to the Matteson Family Scholarship Fund, College of Agriculture, Food, and Natural Resources at the University of Missouri. They may be sent to: Office of Advancement, 15 Eckles Hall, Columbia, MO 65211 or Travis Funeral Chapel, 125 S. Church St., La Plata, MO 63549.