THOMAS L. MATTESON

Thomas Leroy “Railroad Tom” Matteson, 62, of Elkhart, Ind., died unexpectedly Saturday, Nov. 22, 2008, in his home.  He was born Jan. 31, 1946, in Adrian, Mich., to Helen (Baker) Matteson-Craft and Millard Matteson.  Tom was a proud member of the varsity football team and graduated from Tecumseh High School in 1964.  He served his country with honor during the Vietnam War while stationed in Korea and the United States.  During his tour of duty with the U.S. Army from 1965-1971, he was a Sharpshooter with the 8th Army Pistol Team.  Upon returning from active duty he was employed by Penn Central Railroad, and after 40 years of service retired as a Conductor from Norfolk Southern in 2006.  He was a member of the UTU alumni.
Tom was an interesting man who many knew, but few know a lot about him.  He was an avid pool player and instructor and was devoted to teaching the game to many people.  He was a talented, self taught artist, cartoonist, story teller and musician.  He was always kind and interested in others.  Tom had an inquisitive mind and believed that learning was a lifetime process.  In addition to being honest and selfless, his friends and acquaintances will remember his sharp wit and spontaneous sense of humor.  Those who knew Tom will recall his generosity and will smile when they think of how he touched their lives.

He is survived by his Mother, Helen (Baker) Matteson-Craft of Britton, Mich.; two daughters, Sarah (Gregg) Althoff of Granger, Ind., and Dianna “D.J.” Matteson of Elkhart, Ind.; three sisters, Janice (Michael) Oliver of Chapin, S.C., Donna Cline of Westland, Mich. and Wanda (Mark) Mundwiler of Grand Rapids, Mich.; granddaughter, Alyssa Althoff; nieces, Lindsey Clingen and Kelly Francis and nephew, Thomas Cline.

He was preceded in death by his Grandma Donna Baker, Uncle Ken Baker, and Grandma and Grandpa Matteson.

Cremation has taken place.  Visitation will begin at 9 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 13, at the Britton Congregational Christian Church.  Services will start at 11 a.m. followed by a luncheon.  A memorial service was held for family and friends in Elkhart, Ind. on Nov. 29.

The family requests that those who wish may make memorial contributions to a charity of their choice in lieu of flowers.
Funeral arrangements were handled by the Anderson Funeral Home, Tecumseh.