Jack Milton Matteson, 85, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away Sunday, December 2, 2018, at SSM St. Mary’s Health Center after a short stay, surrounded by loved ones.

Jack was born on March 8, 1933 in Waynoka, Okla., the son of Wayne Edward and Martha Rebecca (Kysar) Matteson. He was married on February 3, 1956 to Betty Jane Isgrig from Mexico, Mo., in Cairo, Mo.

A graduate of Clarence High School in Clarence, Mo., in 1951, Jack attended the University of Missouri College of Agriculture, graduating in January 1956 with a degree specializing in soils. Injuries from a tractor accident on the family farm delayed his graduation by a semester.

While in college, he served in ROTC and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant officer. He served in the National Guard for 10 years and was discharged as a Captain.

Being at Mizzou during the years when Norm Stewart played on the basketball team helped transform Jack into a loyal Mizzou fan, especially for basketball.

After graduation, Jack began a life-long, devoted career at the Division of Employment Security with the State of Missouri, working in Kirksville, Rolla and Jefferson City. He joined with a role related to farmers and advanced through many roles over the years and finished his 35-year career as an appeals referee for unemployment claims.

Jack was devoted to spending time with his family and friends while always bringing his fun-loving nature and quick wit to every gathering. His ability to welcome all and make everyone feel special was part of his “father’s heart” who loved everyone. At the same time, he loved animals of all kinds, especially the sweet dogs of his life.

He will be remembered for always lightening the mood with a joke, always doing the right thing—even when no one is looking, and his bedrock strength.

Over the years, Jack, who is presently a member of the Concord Baptist Church, taught adult Sunday School and served as a deacon. In addition, he served as a 4-H project leader and enjoyed being a member of the Firehouse Wood Carvers Club.

He is survived by the love of his life, Betty Jane Matteson: two sons, Kenneth Matteson and his wife Nancy of Kansas City, Mo.; James Matteson and his wife Melinda of Jefferson City; four grandchildren Rebecca Johnson and her husband Nick of Kearney, Mo.; Geoffrey Matteson of Kansas City, Mo.; Danny Matteson of Columbia, Mo.; and Tommy Matteson and his wife Amanda of Jefferson City, Mo.; two sisters, Lova Dell Mitchell of Baltimore, Md.; Charolette Harmon, Williamsport, Md.: numerous nieces, nephews and a large extended family.

He is preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Edward Matteson; and numerous other family members who loved him.

Visitation will be held at Freeman Mortuary from 9:30 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, December 5, with his funeral service following at 11:00 a.m. in the Freeman Chapel with Dr. Monte Shinkle officiating. Graveside services and interment will be held at Hawthorn Memorial Gardens immediately following the funeral.

In lieu of flowers, donations would be appreciated to these organizations: Cole County Nutrition Center, Concord Baptist Church, Alzheimer’s Association or the Compassus Living Foundation (for hospice and palliative care).