Kenneth D Matson

Born June 9, 1923 in Wyoming, Illinois to Joseph and Blanche (White) Matson, he married Maralene Elizabeth Pfeiffer on October 15, 1950 in Pekin.  She survives.

Also surviving are one son, Pastor Steve (Kyle) Matson of Rochester, New York; one daughter, Charlene Stanton of Manito; seven grandchildren, Jennifer (Chris McKinney) Stanton of Groveland, Jamie (Jesse) Garber and Ashley (Jeff) Nizzia, both of Pekin; Sarah (Chad) Krout, Cody Matson, Austin Matson, and Peter Matson, all of Rochester, New York; seven great-grandchildren; Mercedes Stanton, Brittany Stanton, Hope Nizzia, Dennie Nizzia, Jarad Nizzia, Brandon Krout, and Tyler Krout; and one brother-in-law, Roy (Thelma) Pfeiffer of Tucson, Arizona.

A United States Army veteran of the Korean War, he attained the rank of Corporal.

Kenneth worked for American Distilling Company in Pekin for 36 years, retiring in 1978 as a foreman in the pump/filter department.  He later worked for Caterpillar, Inc. for 4 years and at the Pekin Wal-Mart as a greeter for 5 years.

He was a member of First Baptist Church and its Reapers Sunday school class, member and past Monarch of Irin Grotto, the Order of Knights of Pythias, and was a 34-year member of Empire Masonic Lodge #126, AF & AM, all in Pekin.

Kenneth enjoyed going for walks and doing yard work.  In past years, he liked to bowl and golf.

His funeral will be at 10 a.m. Friday, July 9, 2010 at Preston-Hanley Funeral Homes & Crematory in Pekin.  Pastor Steve Matson, his son, will officiate.  Visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday at the funeral home, where Masonic rites will be held at 7 p.m.  Burial will be in Glendale Memorial Gardens in Pekin with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, 4234 North Knoxville Avenue, Peoria, IL 61614.