Jerry Alvin Matson

October 15, 1942 – April 3, 2026

Jerry Alvin Matson was born on October 15, 1942 to John & Ruby (Anderson) Matson in Chehalis, WA. The fourth of five brothers spent his youth in Tahuya, Belfair, Bremerton and the surrounding areas. While in school he played football and basketball and had many stories of being the little guy on the field who played fearlessly regardless of his stature. Jerry was a graduate of Central Kitsap High School.

After high school, in 1961 Mr. Matson enlisted in the United States Army. Prior to deployment to Vietnam, he attended air traffic control school at Fort Benning, GA. During his service Jerry was awarded the Purple Heart, Sharpshooter & Armed Forces Expeditionary medals. In his later years, he was a resident of the Washington Veterans Home in Port Orchard where he found comfort and belonging with his fellow Veterans.

Following his military service Jerry worked at Boeing and attended Seattle Community College before moving to Forks where he worked as a logger for 20 years. Due to the industry decline, Jerry earned his CDL and worked as a truck driver for Forks Sand and Gravel until his retirement.

Jerry will be remembered by his family and friends for his warmth, kindness, humor and the love he shared with us all. He was a hard worker who enjoyed working in the garden, tinkering in the garage, hunting, and fishing. He was quite an adventurer, who enjoyed scuba diving, sky diving and fast cars, he always got a twinkle in his eye when he talked about the Corvette he owned as a young man. He cared very much about his community and volunteered as firefighter with the 3 Rivers Fire Dept. for many years as well as serving as a commissioner for CCFD Dist. 6.

Mr. Matson passed peacefully on April 3rd 2026 at the age of 83 from natural causes. He was preceded in death by his father John, mother Ruby and stepfather John, and brother Melvin. He is survived by his daughters Melissa (Offord) & Crystal (Neil), 9 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren; brothers Victor, Ted (Echo), John (Joyce), and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial service is planned for June 5th, 2026 at 12 p.m. at the Washington Veterans Home Cemetery, 901-975 Olney Ave SE, Port Orchard. A celebration of life will immediately follow at the Allyn Waterfront Park, 18560 E State Route 3, Allyn, WA. All who knew and loved him are invited to join in honoring his life and sharing memories together.