William T. Matson, 57, of Des Plaines, a former bartender and truck driver, died Sunday, April 28, in Holy Family Medical Center in Des Plaines. Born and raised in Chicago, Mr. Matson served in the Army as a sergeant first class in the Vietnam War. He also served in the Army Reserves. Mr. Matson, who was a longtime member of the American Legion in Des Plaines, participated in the organization’s annual parades and color guard services. “He had a military personality,” said his son William T. Jr. “He was disciplined, orderly and usually got up at 5 a.m.” Mr. Matson married his wife, Linda, in 1972 in Des Plaines, and the family settled there in 1977. Mr. Matson worked as a truck driver for electronics companies in the Chicago suburbs and delivered parts to stores in the region. In the late 1990s he was a bartender at Forest-Vue Lanes, a bowling alley in Des Plaines. Other survivors include a daughter, Martha; two brothers, Peter Jr. and John; a sister, Joan Metzger; and two grandchildren. Visitation will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. Thursday in Oehler Funeral Home, 555 Lee St., Des Plaines. Services will begin at 7 p.m. in the funeral home.
