Donald Dean Matson Sr.

Donald (Don) Dean Matson, Sr. 85 of Midland passed away Tuesday, July 15,2014 at Morning Glory Adult Care Home. Don was born in Sioux City, Iowa, June 29, 1929 to Charles and Ellen Matson. His family lived in Sioux City during his early childhood, then they moved to St Louis, Missouri. Don graduated from Southwest High School of St Louis in 1947. He attended college at the Missouri School of Mines (now the Missouri University of Science and Technology) in Rolla, Missouri where he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree in Petroleum Engineering in 1951. After graduation Don went to work for Magnolia Petroleum Company in Pecos, Texas, Artesia, New Mexico, then to Kermit, Texas. While in Kermit, he met Lou Ellen Reneau. They were married on June 13, 1953. They just celebrated 61 years of marriage. Over the next few years Don's work took them to Odessa and Seminole, Texas, Mattoon, Illinois, Winchester, Tennessee, Clinton, Oklahoma, and back to Seminole and Breckenridge, Texas, Denver, Colorado, then finally to Midland, Texas where they made their home and raised their children. Don and Lou had a son, Dean who was born August 30, 1956 and a daughter Ellen who was born June 4, 1965. Don was a member of the American Association of Petroleum Geologist; West Texas Geological Society; Permian Basin Geophysical Society; Society of Exploration Geophysicists. Other affiliations that he was a member of were the Society of Independent Professional Earth Scientists and the Exchange Club. He was a volunteer with the Friends of the Library Book Store and a long time member of the First United Methodist Church of Midland. His hobbies were gardening, reading, golf, tennis, fishing, and traveling. Don was very witty and known by family and friends for his one liners. He is survived by his wife, Lou of Midland; and their daughter, Ellen of Austin; two sisters, Lucy Campbell of Eagle River, Wisconsin and Vivian Rodenhizer of Chicago, Illinois; many nieces, nephews, and dear friends. He was preceded in death by his parents Charles and Ellen Matson, and by his son Dean Matson. The Family is very grateful for the loving care he received from Bobby and Jennifer Burleson and their awesome staff at Morning Glory Adult Care Home the last few years of his life. A special thank you to Dr. Gregory Barther and the Hospice staff for making Don's last years comfortable. Memorial services for Don will be at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, July 19, 2014, in the First United Methodist Chapel located at 300 N Main St with Dr. Tim Walker officiating. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to Hospice of Midland, 911 W Texas Ave, Midland, Texas 79701; First United Methodist Church, 300 N Main St, Midland, Texas 79701 or a charity of your choice. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Ellis Funeral Home of Midland. Family graveside services will be held at a later date.