Cole Robert Matson Obituary: A Life of Purpose, Grit, and Love

The agricultural community and the hearts of his family and friends were left with an irreplaceable void on July 8, 2025, when 21-year-old Cole Robert Matson of Centralia, Kansas, tragically passed away in a farm accident. Born on March 29, 2004, in Seneca, Cole was the youngest son of Dan and Jennifer (Meade) Matson, raised in a home steeped in love, laughter, and a deep-rooted connection to the land .

Background Information
Cole grew up in Vermillion, where he was immersed in rural life from an early age. He trailed his father, Dan, across the family farm, learning the rhythms of the seasons and the care of livestock. His childhood was filled with the joys of tending cattle, driving tractors, and absorbing the wisdom of generations .

Education and Career
Cole was a proud 2022 graduate of Centralia High School, where he was a standout member of the 4-H community, volunteering countless hours to mentor young ag enthusiasts. He continued his education at Highland Community College, earning a degree in Precision Agriculture in 2022, and at Southeast Community College, graduating in 2024 with a degree in Livestock Management and Production, along with certification in Artificial Insemination. These achievements reflected his lifelong commitment to advancing the cattle industry .

Professional Life
As a feed salesman for Midwest Livestock, Cole served producers across Kansas, Nebraska, and Iowa with expertise and genuine care. His ability to connect with farmers, whether troubleshooting in a muddy pasture or strategizing at a feedlot, earned him respect far beyond his years .

Personal Life
Cole’s life was far more than his work. He drove a battered Ford Tempo to afford his first heifer, a symbol of his priorities. His knack for spotting trouble led him to assist the Centralia Fire Department, and he delighted in tossing candy at Fourth of July parades. Outdoors was his sanctuary, whether fishing, hunting, or relaxing with his loyal dog, Tator, by his side .

Relationships
Cole’s heart shone brightest in his relationships. Engaged to Joee Bussmann on October 4, 2024, he found a partner who shared his values and dreams for a future rooted in love and family. As “Uncle Cole,” he doted on his nephew, Braxton, lighting up at every chance to play or teach him about the farm. His bond with his parents, Dan and Jennifer, brother Alex, sister-in-law Shelby, and grandparents Tom, Rheta, Robert, and Terri was unbreakable, filled with shared laughter and support .

Community Response
The loss of Cole Robert Matson reverberates through Centralia’s close-knit community, where he was known for showing up whenever help was needed. Friends like Drew Rumbo and the Bussmann family were his extended kin, drawn to his humor and generosity .

Funeral Arrangements
A visitation will be held on Sunday, July 13, 2025, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca. Funeral services are scheduled for Monday, July 14, at 10:00 a.m. at Centralia High School Gymnasium, followed by burial at Vermillion Cemetery .

Legacy
In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Centralia Fire Department for Jaws of Life equipment or the Marshall County Fair for a Small Animal Wash Rack, honoring Cole’s commitment to community and agriculture. Cole Robert Matson’s life was a vibrant tapestry of purpose, grit, and love. His legacy will live on in the fields he tended, the lives he uplifted, and the community he served with quiet strength .

*Resources:

– *Lauer Funeral Home*: The visitation will be held at Lauer Funeral Home in Seneca on Sunday, July 13, 2025.
– *Centralia Fire Department*: Memorials can be made to the Centralia Fire Department for Jaws of Life equipment in honor of Cole’s commitment to community.
– *Marshall County Fair*: Memorials can also be made to the Marshall County Fair for a Small Animal Wash Rack, reflecting Cole’s love for agriculture and community .