Gary Lee Mattson, age 83, passed away unexpectedly on April 17, 2025. He was born Jan. 11, 1942, in Pittsburg, Kansas, to Leo and Sarah “Toots” Mattson (Laird). He attended K-12 schools in Pittsburg, graduating from Pittsburg High School-Class of 1960.
Gary started boxing in the Golden Gloves in 1959 and continued for about 10 years, often talking about his time and passion for boxing. He served in the United States Army as a military police officer.
In 1969, Gary started working at the United States Postal Service in Pittsburg as a clerk and spent most of his years as a letter carrier. He often commented that he walked over 200,000 miles throughout his 31-year career. Even after his retirement in 2000, he would remember people best by recalling their address.
Gary loved collecting antiques and unique items. For many years he grew a huge vegetable garden. However, his real passion was his family and friends. He always had the biggest smile, and everyone was welcome in the garage (man cave) and encouraged to stay and visit!
On June 28, 1964, he married Patty Hess. They had three children, Gary, Missy and Jay. They divorced in Nov. 1975.
Gary married Judy Watchinski (Williams) on Dec. 5, 1979. She had one child, Colby. Together they blended their families and raised them to adulthood.
Gary is survived by his wife Judy of 45 years, all four of their children, Gary C. Mattson, Missy (Robert) Vacca, Jay (Melissa) Mattson and Colby Watchinski, eight grandchildren who lovingly called him “Papa”, Drew (Chloe) Reed (Abby), Nick (Sarah), Mattie, Landon, Jayln (Thomas), Hannah, and Lillian as well as six great-grandchildren; and several nieces and nephews
He is also survived by his brother Bill “Willie” Mattson (Toni), his best friend Kevin Patterson and his “show dog” Max!
Gary was preceded in death by his parents and one brother Jim Mattson
A Celebration of Life will be held on Sunday May 18, 2025, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the PSU Wilkinson Alumni Center, 401 E. Ford St. Pittsburg, KS.
Due to Gary’s love of animals, in lieu of flowers, a memorial donation to the SEK Humane Society at 485 E 560th Ave, Pittsburg, KS 66762 would be appreciated by his family.
