Walter Hugh “Wally Gator” Matson, 70, of Washington Court House, Ohio passed away peacefully Sunday, May 14, 2017, at 12:53 p.m. at his home while surrounded by his loving family.
Wally was born March 28, 1947, in Hamilton County, Ohio. He was the son of Hugh Marion and Iva Marie Southworth Matson. He was a 1965 graduate of Miami Trace High School and a lifelong resident of this community where he was a longtime car salesman.
Wally had formerly attended the First Christian Church and currently was attending the Gathering Place Church. He was a member of Fayette Aerie #423 of the Fraternal Order of Eagles and a lifetime social member of Paul H. Hughey Post #25 of the American Legion and O.E. Hardway Post #3762 of the Veterans of Foreign Wars.
He was an avid golfer and fisherman. Wally was a loving father, grandfather and friend and particularly enjoyed attending his kids and grandkids sporting events, particularly wrestling.
Wally is survived by three children, Betsy (Mark Mickle) Stewart, Elizabeth (Tim) Leisure and Jason Walter (Kelly) Matson, all of Washington Court House; two step children, Scott Backenstoe of Washington Court House and Jim Bruno of Columbus and their families; six grandchildren, Kaitlynn Fluent, Chapman (Ashley) Fluent, Winston (Erin Rumer) Mickle, Bridget Leisure, Dustin Leisure and Gus Matson; six great grandchildren, numerous special friends and his faithful puppy dog, Jasper.
The funeral will be held Friday, May 19, 2017, at 1:30pm at the Kirkpatrick Funeral Home in Washington Court House with John Pfeifer, pastor at the Gathering Place, officiating. Burial will follow in the Washington Cemetery.
Friends may call at the funeral home Thursday from 4-8 p.m. where an Eagles service will be held Thursday at 8 p.m.
Memorial contribution may be made to the Fayette County Humane Society, 153 South Main Street, Suite 3, Washington Court House, Ohio 43160.