Howard David Matson, 78, of Talladega, AL passed away in Florence on Sunday, December 28, 2025. His family will receive friends on Friday, January 02, 2026, from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega. A funeral ceremony will be held in his honor at 2:00 P.M. on Saturday, January 03, 2026, at Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega with Kevin Jones officiating. Interment will follow directly after the service at Pilgrim’s Rest Cemetery.

Mr. Matson was a native and lifelong resident of Talladega, and he graduated from Winterboro High School as well as Central Alabama Community College. After graduation, he joined the military, serving for 6 years in the United States Air Force and 19 years in the Army National Guard. He was also a Vietnam veteran. Howard loved watching wrestling, and he was an avid gun and knife collector. A nature and animal lover, he also enjoyed feeding the squirrels and birds in his yard. He was a firm believer in Jesus Christ and a quiet, humble soul with a good heart and a touch of stubbornness. Mr. Matson was a very loving father and “Paw-Paw Matson” who will be missed greatly.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Matson; father, Ernest Matson; mother, Virginia Matson, and sister, Audrey Hurst.

Mr. Matson is survived by his children, Kandi Macy (Christopher), Seann Matson (Bridget), Aimee Smith (Jonathan), Gabriel Matson (Elaine), and Faye Butler; grandchildren, Cheri Mullenix, Timothy George, Mackenzie Gibbs, Sebastian Matson, Bristina Matson, Ashley Goggans, and Brittany Shiflett; 5 great-grandchildren; brothers, Jeffry Larry Matson, and 3 nieces.

Jonathan Smith, Christopher Macy, Jason Mullenix, Jason Dyer, and Timothy George will serve as pallbearers.

In lieu of flowers, his family asks that donations be made in his memory to the local animal shelter of your choice.

Online condolences may be offered at www.usreyfuneralhome.com.

Usrey Funeral Home of Talladega is directing the services.