Dixon Ferris (Matt) Madison, age 83, passed away on Friday, March 16, 2007. He was born in Big Cabin, Oklahoma on September 2, 1924 to Bessie Thelma Dixon Betty and Dabner Lee Madison Sr. Bit. In December of 1942 he enlisted in the Army Air Corps and later transferred to the U.S. Army. Matt was a combat veteran from World War II, the Korean conflict, and Vietnam. In 1970, he received the Bronze Star for service in Vietnam. Matt retired in 1971 as a Master Sergeant after 20 yrs of military service. After military retirement he owned and operated Matt's Steakhouse in Sapulpa, Oklahoma. Military life led to wandering feet and Matt and his wife, Louise spent many years living in Arizona, Nevada, and California before returning to Oklahoma in 2005. Matt was a Mason and a tribal member of the Cherokee Nation. His father Bit and his mother Betty precede him in death. Matt is survived by his wife of 61 yrs., Louise, and their children, Marlene Lawson (Gordon) of Okmulgee, Oklahoma, Melinda Lambert (Dick) of Sacramento, California, Suzanne Barr of Woodbridge, Virginia, Mark Madison (Cindi) of Albuquerque, New Mexico, Tena Alexander (Jim) of Tulsa, Oklahoma, Julie Boland (Marty) of Herndon, Virginia, and Lisa Kuhlman (Steven) of Chattanooga, Tennessee. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 3 great-grandchildren, his brother Dabner Lee Madison Jr. "Jerry" of Tulsa, Oklahoma half-brother Perry Madison of Santa Rosa, California and step-sister Molly Wheeler of Grand Junction, Colorado as well as numerous nieces and nephews. Viewing will be at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma on Wednesday, March 21st at 10 a.m. The funeral will be Friday, March 23rd at Floral Haven Funeral Home in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma at 10 a.m. Graveside services with military honors and interment will be at Ft. Gibson National Cemetery following the funeral. The family requests that any donations be made in his name to the Wounded Warrior Program.
(Contributed by OkieBran)