James A. Matson

Thursday, December 19, 2002

SCOTTSBLUFF -- James A. Matson, 70, died Tuesday (Dec. 17, 2002) at the Western Nebraska Veteran's Home in Scottsbluff. He was born May 10, 1932, in Hayes Center to Archie and Mary Hazel (Westcamp) Matson. He received his education in McCook. He entered the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict and was honorably discharged on Oct. 4, 1954.

On May 13, 1966, he married Barbara Nichols at St. Joseph, Mo. They lived in McCook, where he was employed by the Sanitation Department. He was injured in an accident on Aug. 24, 1969, while caring for his horse, and had not worked since. He lived in Lincoln and Grand Island before moving to the Western Nebraska Veteran's Home in 1991.

He was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; and two brothers.

Survivors include his wife, Barbara of Gering; three stepsons, Terry Masoner of Gering, Randy Masoner of Scottsbluff and Bradley Masoner of McCook; sisters, Helen Ahrens of Sealy, Texas, Rosie Gonzales of Plattsmouth, Emma Logan of Leslie, Ark., and Lucille Martinez of McCook; brothers, Max Matson and Melvin Matson; 10 grandchildren; and nine great-grandchildren.

Funeral services will be Friday, 2 p.m., at the Dugan-Kramer Funeral Chapel with the Rev. James O'Kane officiating. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery at Scottsbluff with military rites by Admiral Dewey Post No. 1681 Veterans of Foreign Wars.

Visitation is today until 8 p.m. and Friday before the funeral.

A memorial has been established in his memory.

Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home of Scottsbluff is in charge of arrangements.