Mike was born in South Bend, Indiana, on July 28, 1959, to Dick and Sarah Holton Matson. During his younger years, he attended Oak Grove Baptist Church in Noxapater, Mississippi. During his years of living on the coast, he attended Bel Aire Baptist Church in Gulfport, Mississippi. He graduated from Noxapater as the valedictorian of the Class of 1977. In 1981, he graduated from Mississippi State University with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. He was a member of several professional organizations including the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and was a licensed professional engineer in the state of Mississippi. He enjoyed “tinkering with his Fords” as he said; but most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his family.
Mike is survived by his wife of 32 years, Karen Partridge Matson; his daughter, Bridget Matson Moran and her husband, Jacob, of Gulfport; his son Richie Matson and wife, Amanda, of Puckett, Mississippi; and his brother, Robert Matson of Noxapater. One of his greatest joys was being “Grandpa” to his grandson, Deuce Matson and he was looking forward to the birth of a granddaughter, Makenzie Moran, in July. He was preceded in death by his parents.
Serving as pallbearers are Wayne Gregg, Barry Partridge, Bob Sandberg, Scott Shepperd, Tim Shepperd, and Jimmy Starks. Memorial contributions honoring Mike may be given to Winston-Choctaw Gideon Camp, P. O. Box 556, Louisville, MS 39339.
Services are under the direction of Nowell Massey Funeral Home, 724 North Columbus Avenue, Louisville, MS. Memories and condolences may be shared with the family by signing the guest register at www.nowellmasseyfuneralhome.com.
