Paul H Matson

Paul H. Matson, age 79, passed away Tuesday, February 24, 2015 at his home in Scio. Born July 21, 1935 in Massillon he was a son of the late Homer Matson and Vivian Boerngen Matson. Paul graduated from Massillon High School in 1953 and proudly played tuba in the Marching Swinging Tiger Band. He honorably served his country in the US Army and contributed his musical talents becoming the tuba player for the Fort Knox Military Band.

   Paul was an avid roller skater so it is only fitting that he would meet the love of his life, Maxine Woods, skating and follow her back to Scio. They married on December 20, 1958. Paul worked at the Scio Pottery, Scio Cabinet Shop, was Superintendent of the Village of Scio Water and Street Dept. for 17 years and was the Maintenance Custodian for Harrison County Jobs and Family Services for 10 years retiring in 2005. Paul was a jack of all trades but he excelled at setting up sound systems and being the stage manager. He donated thousands of hours of his time to many organizations and churches including Stumptown Steam Threshers in New Athens, Algonquin Mill Festival in Perrysville, Cadiz Christmas Parade, Bethlehem Walk in Scio, Memorial Day Celebrations in Hopedale, Jewett and Scio and the former Mining and Manufacturing Festival in Cadiz. But the one he enjoyed the most was the Scio Fall Festival where he was the master of ceremonies for the past 40 years.  Paul was a member of both the Scio VFD/EMS and Scio American Legion Post 482 for over  40 years. He was also a member of the Scio Civic Club and the Scio Fall Festival Committee. His love of music continued throughout his life and he played in numerous area bands including Butch’s Naturals, New Market, Empty Pockets and Recollections.

   He was preceded in death by his wife Maxine on April 18, 1998 and his brother-in-law Robert Shaw.

   Surviving are his children Forrest (Cindy) Matson and Paula Matson both of Scio, a sister Cheryl Shaw of Massillon, grandchildren Cierra, Jazmyn, Stanley, Justin, Krystina, Lindsey, Dylan and Zachary and a great grandson Kolson.

   Services will be held Saturday at noon at RJ Spiker Fire Hall in Scio with Pastor Fred Battles officiating. Burial will follow in Grandview Cemetery, Scio.  Friends may call Friday from 2-4 and 6-9 pm at Koch Funeral Home, Scio and Saturday from 11 am – noon at the fire hall prior to the service. An account has been established at PNC Bank, P O Box 306, Scio 43988 to help the family with final expenses. Please make checks payable to Forrest Matson.

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