Delano Matson

Delano Randall Matson was destined to be unforgettable, as evidenced by his birth on April 15, “Tax Day,” and subsequent passing on July 4 2026, the 250th anniversary of this great nation.

A devoted Christian, he believed his greatest hope wasn't behind him but ahead of him. His faith shaped the way he lived, loved, and treated everyone he met.

If you knew him, you also knew this simple truth: he never met someone who *wanted* to stay a stranger. Five minutes into a conversation, he'd know your name, your hometown, what you did for a living, and somehow you'd feel like old friends. It wasn't a trick of salesmanship—it was genuine curiosity wrapped in effortless charisma.

He was mischievously clever, taking any opportunity to tell an Ole and Lena joke or engage in word play. Ask him how he was feeling, and he’d respond “Terrible good! Which is better than Awful good “ Generations of Matsons say “safetious” (facetious), “Pepsicola for Pensacola and “pee-nammonia” (pneumonia) because Del loved making words into a source of laughter.

Del proudly served in the Navy from 1951-1955. Afterward, he discovered his true calling as a salesman.He could sell anything to anyone. Not because he was a smooth talker, but because he saw a person and a need, and he knew he could better their lives. He could see an opportunity where others could not.saw an empty lot, and he had a remarkable way of helping others see it, too.Of course, being a born salesman didn't hurt. He had an instinct for people and charisma that helped him build an enormous clientele over the years. In 1963, he began selling for Prairie States Insurance Company in South Dakota . Then in 1964 he moved back to Memphis and went to work for Preferred Risk Insurance, a non-drinking insurance company, and was swiftly promoted to management. By 1971, he transitioned to selling real estate and worked at Brett /Robinson and was their Broker for 34 years. He left Brett/ Robinson to establish Visions Real Estate with his son, Randy and his son-in-law, David. He took immense pride in the fact that he worked alongside his family and built a successful business.

If you asked him what mattered most, the answer wasn't found in deeds or property lines. It was his family. His children and grandchildren were his greatest pride, favorite audience, and most treasured investment. The families that Randy and Kim created brought him so much joy and peace. He bragged about them to everyone he met.

One of his most remarkable—and occasionally maddening—qualities was his relentless optimism. He remained cheerful through circumstances that would have crushed most people. Even when life handed him its hardest chapters, he never wavered in his faith, choosing instead to use them as examples of God’s grace, faithfulness and goodness.

He passed away at 92 or as he would say “four score and twelve. He left this world much the way he lived in it—with unwavering faith, a smile that rarely disappeared, and surrounded by family and friends, with peals of laughter while recanting stories times gone by.

He leaves behind a family who will miss his laughter, his encouragement, his stories, and his uncanny ability to make every room feel a little brighter simply because he walked into it.

Del was met in Heaven by his Savior, his newborn sister Joy Divine, parents Thelma and Conrad, beloved wife Nita, his newborn son Kendall, treasured second wife Erlene, precious daughter in law Elaine, and his brother Dick.

Infused with a passion for sharing the gospel, Del made it his mission to invite everyone he met to visit his church with the hope that they would come to know Christ as their Lord and Savior. A key part of his witness was his love for singing gospel music , especially the old hymns.

No doubt, he was greeted with “Well done, my good and faithful servant.”

He is survived by his son, Randy Matson, grandsons Roger Boggan (Denise) and Tyler Fleming. Great grandsons Garrett Langan (Meagan), Nolan Wright (Kim), and Ryan Wright , great great granddaughters Aubreigh, Ivy, and Corrine Elaine. His loving daughter, Kimberly Hirras (David), grandson Jeremiah Hirras, granddaughters Julia Flores, Britney Hirras (Ryan), and Alaina Hirras. Great granddaughters Abigail, Sophia, Addyson, Iliana, and greatgrandsons Ford and Cade.

If heaven has neighborhoods to explore, there's a good chance he's already introduced himself to everyone and singing in the Heavenly choir.