Robert Clifford Matteson Sr.
Robert Clifford Matteson Sr.
Obituary
Guest Book
Robert Matteson Obituary
Robert was born in Foreman, AR, and worked on his family farm. After hearing FDR's Day of Infamy Speech, he enlisted in the Army Air Forces, where he became a B25 pilot. Robert was stationed on the Aleutian Islands in the North Pacific and later on Ascension Island in the Atlantic.
He graduated from Louisiana State University and moved to Pasadena, CA, to continue his graduate studies at the California Institute of Technology's Jet Propulsion Lab.
In 1949, he moved to Fort Worth, TX, and met his future wife, Jane, at All Saints Church. Jane and Bob raised four children and were married for 70 years until her death in 2021. He worked for General Dynamics as an aeronautical engineer and subject matter expert in propulsion, which took him on many travels, including Europe and Israel.
A lover of the outdoors was an avid hunter, golfer, and gardener. He developed various hobbies over the years, such as building his own transistor radios, then stereos, making his own ammunition for hunting, jewelry making, and cooking with his wife, Jane. Robert was a loyal sports fan and had a special love for baseball and the Texas Rangers. He was always curious and never lost his desire to learn new things. After his eyesight started to diminish, every Saturday, a wonderful friend would read to him everything from Shakespeare to Ancient Civilization and World History.
He was a true gentleman who was gracious to everyone he encountered. He loved his family and friends, had strong faith, and lived a life of gratitude.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 70 yrs. Jane Dowlen Matteson, parents, Sylvester and Mildred Matteson, and his four siblings, including a twin brother.
He is survived by his four children, Elizabeth Ann Porter, Martha Jane Matteson, Robert Clifford Matteson Jr., and Mary Ragsdale Barakat, five grandchildren, three great-grandchildren, and two nephews.
A memorial service will be held on July 13, 2024, at 11:00 am at All Saints Church-Crestline, 5001 Crestline Rd, Fort Worth, TX 76107
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
1 Entry
Kristi Little
August 13, 2024
I had the pleasure and honor of having Robert (Mr. Bob) as my downstairs neighbor during my 6 (maybe even 7) years residency at Remington Townhomes. He was always a joy to talk to and we would often sit down, share a beer and have conversations over just about everything for hours some times.
He would talk to me about his time in the Army Air Force, his wife and family. He would walk almost every day to go see his wife that lived in the care facility next door to the townhouses. My security camera would capture all motions in front of our building and I would check events throughout the day to see when he would walk by to make sure he was getting around OK and if I didn't see him walking in a day, I'd be sure to check on him. Safety was an increasing concern each year and I always worried about him. He was always appreciative, greeted me with a warm smile and gave my pups lots of love when he saw them.
Even at 99 years old, he was one of the sharpest people I have ever met and I was constantly in awe when he would talk about his time at general dynamics and his incredible work. He was always curious about the knowledge that I had in my profession and genuinely loved hearing about the technology I worked with and frequently said all of it just blows his mind. My little brother was amazed by some of Mr. Bobs stories as a pilot - my brother was still early on in his pilot program so it was something else to listen to them talk about all things planes and flying. It amazed me that despite the ~80 year age gap, their conversations were unlike anything I've ever seen or heard. My brother was ~18-19 years old at the time so one would think their generations values and views would not connect but it was the exact opposite.
My fiance and I had some cookies and milk from Tiffs Treats delivered to him on his 99th birthday and I will never see a bigger smile than I did that day. I have thought about him several times since moving from there in 2020 and tried to reach out to the numbers I had for him before but was not successful. It deeply saddens me to hear of his passing, but I know he is at eternal peace and surrounded by love in heaven with his wife.
How you can show support
Follow
Get email updates whenever changes are made.
Send flowers
Consider sending flowers.
Add photos
Share their life with photo memories.
Plant trees
Honor them by planting trees in their memory.
Donate in Memory
Make a donation in memory of your loved one.
Share this page
Invite other friends and family to visit the page.
Showing 1 - 1 of 1 results
8525 Mid Cities Blvd, North Richland Hills, TX 76182
Make a Donation
in Robert Matteson's name
People and places connected with Robert
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
Recent Obituaries
How to support Robert's loved ones
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Robert Matteson's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
