Miles A. Matson 99, of Austin, Texas, passed away on August 7, 2012. Miles was born in Wichita, Kansas. He was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Edna Olson Matson.

As a child, Miles traveled with his father Roy who was an orchestra pit boss on the vaudeville circuit. It was during the performances that Miles developed his interest in joke telling, tap dancing, and acrobatics. He enjoyed copying down the gags from the comedians who played in the theatres. Miles took up tap dancing and he convinced his father to ask Bojangles Robinson to give him a lesson. Bojangles told him, "You're pretty good kid." Young Miles dreamt of being an acrobat.

As a teenager, Miles lived with his Uncle P.J. and Aunt Dell (Dr. and Mrs. Christoferson) in Waupaca, Wisconsin. He met Edna Olson, his future wife, at Waupaca High School. After graduation, Miles relocated to Chicago, where he started his career in the drapery hardware business at The H.L. Judd Company. In 1935, he joined Kirsch (Newell Rubbermaid) as the Chicago-based Brand Manager. He was promoted to Sales Representative for Kansas, Missouri and Nebraska. In 1939, he and Edna moved to Austin and he became the sales rep for Texas and part of New Mexico. When he retired, Miles' territory consisted of Austin and part of Houston.

Miles had many unusual and interesting hobbies, including joke writing, tap dancing, ballroom dancing and calligraphy. He collected jokes, un-struck advertising matchbooks, screwdrivers, stamps, coins, straight razors and fine pens. He also followed the stock market closely. His joke collection consisted of 159 binders, all catalogued by subject. His good friend and neighbor, Geoffrey Courtney, convinced Miles to donate his collection to the Harry Ransom Center at the University of Texas.

After he retired, Miles visited retirement centers and nursing homes, carrying a dance board with him. On it, he entertained the residents with tap dancing and soft shoe routines. He and Edna enjoyed ballroom dancing at several dance clubs in Austin. In retirement, Miles developed his skill in calligraphy, which he used to prepare the dance club invitations.

Miles' sense of humor was a delight to many throughout the years and close friends were often the benefactor of his kindhearted generosity. He had an exceptional ability to remember names and details about people he met, which served him well in his career as a salesman. When he moved to Emeritus Assisted Living, he was able to greet all of the residents and staff by name in a matter of weeks.

Miles is survived by his nephews, Jerry Guyant of Richmond, VA, Kent Winters of York , ME, and Kyle Winters of Waupaca, WI; nieces, Bonnie Guyant Pacocha of Amherst, WI, Karen Hansen of Wild Rose, WI, Eilene Shadler of Wayzata, MN, Beverly Rago of Springfield, IL and Billye Olson of St Joseph, MO; and grandnephews, Mike Olson of Houston, TX, Frank John Pacocha of Pawaukee, WI and Michael Pacocha of Muskego, WI, and grandniece, Kathy Pacocha of Loveland , CO. Miles also leaves special friends, including Margaret Broekema of Dublin, OH; Geoffrey Courtney, Gary and Sandy Graning and Molly Graning of San Antonio, TX; and Ralph and Suzanne Marman, Mary Gilbert Korth, and Cynthia Fray , all of Austin, TX.

The family would like to thank Megan Casey Goodwin, Christa Zieschang, and the staff of Brighton Gardens/Emeritus, where Miles and Edna resided from 1999. Also, the many caretakers that assisted them over the years, especially Fredna Slayton.

Donations in Miles' memory may be made to The Salvation Army or a charity of the donor's choice. Interment will be held at a later date at Lakeside Cemetery in Waupaca, WI.

A memorial service will be held at 11:30 AM Saturday, September 8th at Weed-Corley-Fish Funeral Home, 315N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX – (512) 452-8811.