Gordon Charles Mattson was born to Clarence Charles Mattson and Dorothy Harris Mattson Oct. 22, 1936, in Rigby, Idaho. He grew up in a farm community, and was known by friends and family as ‘Little Joe.” At an early age he worked on the farm driving tractors before he could see over the steering wheel. His family moved in 1953 to Darby, Mont., where Gordon attended and graduated from Darby High School in 1955. After high school he proudly served in the U.S. Army as a clerk typist and spent much of his service in Germany. After he returned home he spent time working for the railroad as a telegrapher and then moved to Renton, Wash., where he worked for Boeing until he retired. He then moved to Coeur d’Alene where he enjoyed a life of leisure in the Hayden Lake community. In his younger days he enjoyed fishing and hunting and throughout his life took pleasure in western novels, country music, playing golf, genealogy research, and spent hours on his computer. He was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints. Gordon was a generous man, incredibly kind person and was always the first to volunteer to help family and friends. He is survived by his brother Lee(Beth) Mattson, sisters Murriel (Dwayne) Williams, Joyce (Vince) Hamm, Joanne (John) Lee, Gladys (Jerry) Schaum, Susan Mattson, and Shanna (Robert) Coffman Jr., as well as many nephews and nieces, all of whom loved him dearly and will miss him greatly.

Graveside Services with full military honors will be held 10 a.m., Wednesday, June 27, 2012, at Coeur d’Alene Memorial Gardens, 7315 Government Way, Coeur d’Alene.

Yates Funeral Home has been entrusted with the care of final arrangements. Please visit Gordon’s online memorial at www.yatesfuneralhomes.com and sign his guest book.