Elmer M Matson, Jr.
January 3, 1923 - January 22, 2022
Obituary
1-3-1923 – 1-22-2022
Elmer passed away about 5 miles away from where he was born 99 years ago. He was the son of Elmer and Catherine Matson and was preceded in death by his younger brother Bill (Eldred Earl). Elmer graduated from West Seattle High School and had spent 3 years at the University of Washington before being called to Officer Training in Plattsburgh, New York. As a brand new ensign, he was assigned to LST 712 where he spent 3 years in the South Pacific until the war ended. He returned to his studies at the UW, graduating in 1947.
He married Polly McCoy on May 9, 1947. He’d only had 2 dates with her before the Navy called. They were blessed with 74+ years together, 3 children, Kris (married to Dave Grassman) Craig (Stacie) and Ken (Cindi), 6 grandchildren and 9 great-grandchildren.
Elmer took over Corry’s Slug and Snail Death in 1947 and it was family-run for over 60 years.
He and Polly were members of Rainier Golf and Country Club for over 50 years. In their retirement years, they joined 4 different senior golf associations and traveled all over the US playing in senior tournaments. In one of their more memorable tournaments, Elmer won the men’s tournament and Polly 2nd for the women in Hilton Head, South Carolina.
Later during the winters, they enjoyed friends, golf, swimming and card playing in Kona, Hawaii.
The fairy tale marriage has sadly come to an end. So sad.
Memorial services will be held later in the spring when the family can gather at the Tahoma National Cemetery.
