William Clifton Matson

YORK - William Clifton Matson, 91, passed away Wednesday, September 2, 2009. He was preceded into heaven by his wife, M. Eleanor (Wise) Matson, after enjoying a loving marriage of 61 years. A celebration of life tribute service will be held at 3:00 PM Sunday, September 6, 2009 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market St., York with his Associate Pastor, The Rev. Robert N. Maddox, Jr. officiating. A visitation will be from 2-3:00 PM Sunday in the Church parlor. Burial will be in Fawn Grove United Methodist Cemetery. Heffner Funeral Chapel & Crematory, Inc., 1551 Kenneth Road, York is in charge of arrangements. Born in Fawn Grove, he was the oldest son of Will and Perla (Shenberger) Matson and had been a life-long resident of York County. He last resided at the Country Meadows Retirement Facility and previously lived on Conewago Avenue in York for over 55 years. Mr. Matson was a graduate of Goldey-Beacom College in Wilmington, DE, and enjoyed a professional career at the former York International for 44 years, retiring in 1982. He was a member of the Management Assoc. of York County since 1948; and a life-long member of the Lincoln Fire Company. He was a member of the Boy Scout Troop #23 for 43 years, and also a life-long active member of St. Matthew Lutheran Church where he served on numerous committees. Mr. Matson was a US Army Air Corp veteran of WWII and was a graduate of the Army Air Corp Aviation Cadet Program that began his life-long love of flying. Mr. Matson is survived by his two children, Sue E. and husband Frank Conway of Hockessin, DE and his son, William C. Matson, Jr. and wife Diane of Chesterfield, Missouri; their families, including five grandchildren and three great-grandchildren; a brother, Howard Matson of York; and a sister, Ruth Calary of Jarrettsville, MD. He was preceded in death by his brothers, C. Edgar and J. Raymond Matson. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 839 W. Market Street, York, PA 17401, to celebrate the life of this wonderful person. The family would like to extend their appreciation to the staff at Country Meadows and AseraCare Hospice for the special care that was required this past year.