Phillipsburg resident, Foster D. Matteson, passed away June 1, 2018 at the Phillips County Hospital in Phillipsburg, KS at the age of 92.
He was born November 14, 1925 in Phillipsburg, the son of Lee and Dorothy (Hassler) Matteson. Foster attended Phillipsburg schools, where he participated in many sports.
In 1943 he enlisted in the Army Air Corp and attended Officer's Candidate School. He served during WW II and Korea as a pilot and later in the National Guard Reserves, retiring as a Captain in 1968.
Foster married his high school sweetheart, Laura Myfanway John, on April 7, 1945 in Douglas, AZ, while stationed there in the service. He was blessed with three children, Diane, Debbie, and Dave.
In 1945 he started a long career in the automotive industry with his dad, Lee. In addition to the car dealership they operated a wrecker service, being called out at all times of the day and night. Foster retired from the business in the 1990's but was the owner of Matteson Motor Company for 60 years.
He also served his community in many ways, including: Phillipsburg City Council – 14 years; Phillips County Commissioner – 16 years; Mid States Port Authority board and Nursing home board; VFW Life member and former Commander; Master of the Phillipsburg Masonic Lodge; member of ISIS Shrine; Job's Daughters Drill Team instructor; lifetime member of the United Methodist Church; and baseball & softball coach.
Foster played an active role in the lives of his children and grandchildren. He was loved by his nieces and nephews and helped them in any way he could. He loved to spend time with his family and friends and also enjoyed golfing, reading, water skiing and bowling. He looked forward to his coffee group each day, "playing the game at coffee."
Through the years he enjoyed his many dogs. One in particular, Mitzi, accompanied him and his friends on their rounds of golf. You could find him most any day playing golf with "the seniors"; their criteria was 35 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
Survivors include his children: Diane Kaup (Doug) of Phillipsburg, Debra Matteson of Lakewood, CO and David Matteson (Patricia) of San Antonio, TX; five grandchildren: Brandon (Brandi) Kaup of Phillipsburg, Brittany Kaup of Hays, Eric, Monica and Tomas Matteson of San Antonio; one great-grandchild, Jordan Kaup of Phillipsburg; and his two rescue dogs, Bailey and Sally.
Foster was preceded in death by his parents, Lee and Dorothy Matteson; his wife, Laura; brother, Harvey and his wife, Betty; sister, Evelyn and her husband, Dean King; his brother-in-law, Kenneth John and his wife, Virginia.


Funeral services will be held Friday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. in the United Methodist Church, Phillipsburg, with Pastor Lew VanDerWege officiating. Burial will follow in the Fairview Cemetery with military honors by Ft. Riley Honor Guard.

Visitation will be from noon to 9:00 Wed. and 9:00 to 9:00 Thursday with the family receiving friends from 7:00 to 8:00 Thursday evening at the Olliff-Boeve Memorial Chapel.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Foster Matteson Memorial for Phillipsburg Improvements.