Thomas Drake Matteson, age 81, of Java, VA died Friday, October 19, 2018 peacefully at home.  He was born on December 12, 1936, in Robinson, IL., the oldest of three sons to Thomas Matteson and Louise Drake Matteson. He graduated from Hymera High School, where he met and married his adoring wife of 64 years, Ada Mae Hixon Matteson. He spent four years in the US Navy and then went into his career working as a Senior Regional Sales Manager for multiple steel building manufacturing corporations for the next 50 years after which he retired to his home, Ashley Hill in Halifax County, VA. He was a 50 year member of the Danville, VA Elks Lodge #227, Hymera, IN Masonic Lodge #588 and the Houston, TX Scottish Rites Lodge. His joys in life included his family, his home and his pets. He was the beloved son-in-law of Oliver and Loice Hixon and was preceded in death by his father, mother, and his youngest brother Stanley Earl Matteson. He is survived by his loving wife, his son, Thomas Allan Matteson, his granddaughter, Ashley Michelle Matteson, and his brother James Braun Matteson. " If I go first and you remain, I'll go slowly until we are together again." Colbert-Moran Funeral Home, Gretna is assisting the family.  Condolences may be sent to the family by visiting www.colbertmoran.com .