George Ray Matheson "GR" passed away peacefully at age 94 on October 16, 2026, after a wonderful visit with his children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren the prior weekend. He was born on February 21, 1932, in Cedar City, Utah to Joseph Ray Matheson and Georgia Camilla Wittwer. GR used to love to point out that, "I'm one day older than George Washington…minus 200 years!"
He met the love of his life, Verna Christensen from Aurora Utah, at the LDS Institute while attending BAC (Branch Agriculture College) in Cedar City. They were sealed together on September 10, 1953, in the Manti Temple. Verna passed away much too soon at the age of 58 on June 18,1993. In 1994 GR reconnected with a friend from his college days, Virginia Topham. They were married on January 7, 1995, and they have enjoyed many years and adventures together.
Once married GR and Verna transferred to Utah State University in Logan. As a youth GR enjoyed building and repairing radios. His interest in radios and electronics led him to pursue and earn a Bachelor of Science Degree in Electrical Engineering from Utah State, Go Aggies!
GR and Verna were blessed with five children, four sons Arlen George, Brian Joseph, Kevin Richard, Eric Blain and finally a daughter Colleen Sharon. They raised their family in Upland, California.
GR loved the Lord and had a firm testimony of the Gospel. He taught the importance of the gospel through his quiet steady example. He served in various callings in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. He particularly enjoyed working with the Boy Scouts and as the Ward Executive Secretary.
Over the years GR has enjoyed many interests, such as camping, hiking, water skiing, dirt bike riding, working on cars, and tinkering in the garage.
Over the years GR would load up the camper and our family would go on weekend trips and extended summer outings all through out the west. We eventually were able to explore every state west of the Rockies. We saw and learned to appreciate the beauty that our Father in Heaven has created for us. This love of nature has continued on through all of his posterity.
As a scout leader he helped lead a group of boys to the top of 14,505 ft. Mt. Whitney in California. When he turned 80, GR decided that he wanted to hike up 11,928 ft. Mt. Nebo. Arlen and granddaughter Andrea followed him up the mountain, much to the amazement of fellow hikers that passed us by on the trail that day.
GR enjoyed water skiing. He taught all his kids to slalom ski, and he continued skiing into his 70's.
He enjoyed dirtbike riding and exploring the California deserts. Thanksgiving weekend was generally spent at Cuttyback Dry Lake in the California High desert.
GR enjoyed working on cars and tinkering in the garage. Over the years he rebuilt many engines and various other general car maintenance projects. During the gas crisis of the early 70's he rebuilt the V8 engine on his beloved 1963 Ford Fairlane. Since gas was expensive and hard to come by, in order to improve his gas mileage, he removed 4 of the pistons and shut down those cylinders. The car stayed that way until Arlen started to Drive in 1975. He taught all his sons to rebuild engines and perform regular maintenance. We were convinced that Dad could fix just about anything.
As a young soldier GR fought with his unit, the 213th Armored Field Artillery Battalion, in the battle of Gapyeong during the Korean War. He would tell us how he heard the machine gun bullets as they whizzed over his head throughout the night. As the Mess Sargent, he prepared bread for the 800 enemy prisoners. He later gave that recipe to our mother who made a kitchen full of homemade bread for the family on a regular basis.
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He was preceded in death by his Wife Verna Christensen Matheson, his Father Joseph Ray (Grace) Matheson, Mother Georgia Camilla Matheson, Sister La Juana Gillies, Brother Terrill Matheson, Sister-in-law Leah Matheson, Father-in-law Joseph Christensen, Mother-in-law Lula Christensen, Grandson Zachary Matheson, and Son in law Thomas Tennant.
He was survived by His wife Virginia Topham Matheson, His children and their spouses Arlen and Cris Matheson, Brian and Sharon Matheson, Kevin and Krystal Matheson, Eric and Kristi Matheson, and Colleen Matheson Tennant. Brothers Newell Matheson and Melvin and Darlene Matheson. Twenty-two grandchildren and thirty great-grandchildren.
Throughout his 94 years, GR lived a full and adventurous life, always showing a deep love for his family and a willingness to serve others. He will be remembered for the kindness he shared, the example he set, and his desire to follow the example of the Savior.
There will be a Viewing on Tuesday November 3 at the Walker Funeral Home, 187 South Main, Spanish Fork, Utah from 4 to 6PM
Military Honors with a 21-gun salute will be presented by the Spanish Fork American Legion prior to the viewing at 4PM
There will be a Grave Side Service on Friday November 6 at 1PM at the Riverside National Cemetery, 22495 Van Buren Boulevard, Riverside, California
G.R. Matheson's Funeral Livestream
Friday, Nov 6 · 1–1:45 PM
Google Meet joining info
Video call link:
https://meet.google.com/qsh-
