Leslie Dean Matteson

A memorial service with full military honors for Mr. Leslie Dean Matteson will begin at 11:00 AM, Monday, April 22, 2024 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Meridian, MS.

Leslie D Matteson was born in Sioux City, IA on 10/27/36. As a child he lived Chicago IL, Montana, and Minnesota. Even as a teen he was a hard worker and worked as a paper boy, golf caddy, and bowling pin setter just to buy his 1st accordion. The family home  burned when he was a teenager, and his accordion was the only possession he was able to save. He graduated from Bloomington H.S. in Minnesota. Right out of high school he joined the navy for the 1st time.  He was almost kicked out for failing the eye exam, but his intelligence and his plea to serve our great nation out weighted the eye exam. Our nation is a better place for that person’s decision. His skills set president for the new Navy technology skills. He often spoke of writing instructions manuals and teaching the other officers his techniques to perfect Naval technology instruments. On that 3 year tour of duty he served on ships and on the island of Guam. After 3 years he chose to leave the Navy. He worked several different jobs and during that time got married to DeEtte. On July 4th his wife DeEtte gave birth to their only daughter Rosalind. After nearly freezing to death on way to work he decided to rejoined the Navy. His new Navy tour began in Hawaii where he  worked on radar station on the mountain of Mauna Kapu. After 4 years he  was then transferred to Concord CA. While in Concord he was sent to Vietnam to serve on front lines maintaining pontoon boats.  Upon returning home from Vietnam he was transferred with his family to Morocco North Africa, where he worked in electronics. He was transferred 2 years later to Saratoga Springs, NY. Four and half years later, he and his family were sent to Charleston SC for 6 months to prepare the sub tender ship Canopus.  He and his family followed the ship to Rota Spain and lived there 2 and a half years. When the base was to be closed, they were moved to Meridian MS, where he worked on the Navy Airforce Base. He retired in 1984, and remained in Meridian. After Navy retirement he returned to college at Livingston University in Livingston AL. He then opened his own computer business, Matteson Microsystems. Later he worked for Robinson Electric. On 7/8/1999 his  beloved wife, DeEtte was killed in a tragic car accident. And his final employment contribution  he taught computer programming at Meridian Community College.  Because of his appearance, jolly voice and happy spirit he often portrayed Santa Claus for many years  bringing gifts children in the delta region of Mississippi, among others. He was active in whatever church he attended. He loved science, astronomy, history, and philosophy. He was truly a one of a kind human. Intelligent, kind, generous, humble and just a sincere good human.
He exited his human flesh experience at the most appropriate time 10:10 pm. He began his human experience on 10/27/1936 and it was concluded on 4/7/2024 at 10:10 pm. Such a perfect time for a perfect 10 of a human deserving of honor. And on April 8th our hearts felt the total eclipse of darkness just for a short time. In the total eclipse of darkness, our sadness slowly passed into joy of celebrating his life on the other side of the light. He would be proud of his total eclipse exit, with the sun kissing the moon upon his arrival as he entered into his new existence. May Leslie D Matteson forever rest in peace

He is survived by his daughter Rosalind Matteson, grandson Andy Cagle and his wife Angie, goddaughters Tarah Barbree and Theresa Brunelle, nieces, nephews, and many close family friends. Last, but not least, emotional support pets, Lexie, and Getha.

He was preceded in death by his wife, DeEtte Matteson, parents, Matt and Erma Matteson, and his biological mother, Esther Peters

Online condolences may be expressed at robertbarhamffh.com.