Gary L. Mattson

Gary L. Mattson January 25, 1939 - October 13, 2014 Gary L. Mattson, 75, of Waco, passed away on October 13, 2014, at a Senior Care Living Facility. Funeral services will be at 3:00 p.m., Tuesday, October 28, at First Baptist Church, Woodway. Visitation will be 6:00 8:00 p.m., Monday, October 27, at Wilkirson-Hatch-Bailey Garden Room. Gary loved the Lord and was a born again Christian. Gary L. Mattson was born in Lansing, Michigan, to Chester and Arlene Ames Mattson. He was a graduate of West Phoenix High School in Phoenix, Arizona. He received his B.A. from Grand Canyon College in Phoenix, Arizona and then received his Masters from Arizona State University. Gary was a two sport star with Grand Canyon College in both basketball and baseball. He was a 1961 NAIA basketball All-American. Gary was also part of the only undefeated basketball team in Grand Canyon College history. In adulthood, Gary transferred his love and talent in sports to coaching dozens of successful youth basketball, baseball, and football teams. Most notably he coached the Waco Bears basketball team from 1972-1978. This team compiled an overall record of 135-4 including 3 State Championships and one 3rd Place finish in the National Championship held in Lexington, Kentucky. He also coached two state championship baseball teams in the early 1980's. His success as a coach was attributed not just to his knowledge of sports but more importantly to the way he interacted with his players. Gary was an outstanding motivator and was able to instill in the young men he coached a belief in themselves and the desire and will to achieve. He not only made you a better player, but he inspired you to be a better person. He made a permanent positive mark on so many young people's lives. Gary was a successful businessman for over four decades and was known throughout the nation as an expert in franchise development. Gary was also an NFL Agent for 8 years, representing local football star and Minnesota Viking, Alfred Anderson from 1984-1992. Gary was proud of his accomplishments but most of all he was proud of his children, Brent, Brian, Blake, and special needs daughter, Shanna Mattson. He was extremely active in their lives and loved them very much. He always taught the attributes of goal setting and having a positive attitude when facing life's opportunities and challenges. His goal was to give his children the opportunity to succeed in all facets of their lives whether big or small. Gary was a active member of First Baptist Church, Woodway. He also, formerly, was a long time member of First Baptist Waco where he served as Director of the Adult 2 and 3 Sunday School Classes. Gary was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Arlene Mattson; brother, Larry; and sisters, Janice and Sharon. Gary is survived by his three sons, Brent Mattson and his wife, Cindy Wooldridge Mattson, Brian Mattson and his wife, Dori Weems Mattson, and Blake Mattson and his wife, Shanna Brown Mattson. Gary is also survived by his special needs daughter, Shanna Mattson; and his six grandchildren, Taylor, Barrett, Benton, Carlyn, Courtland, and Malia Mae Mattson. Pallbearers are Alfred Anderson, Jim Dunnam, Keith Thornal, Kelly Henry, Damian Falcone and Robert Stanton, Sr. Donations can be made to ARC of McLennan County or Friends For Life in honor of his special needs daughter, Shanna Mattson. The family invites you to leave a message or memory in our "Memorial Guestbook" at www.WHBfamily.com.