Colonel Glenn Kenge Matsumoto's Obituary
Colonel Glenn Kenge Matsumoto, 95, passed away peacefully at Shell Point Retirement
Community, Ft. Myers on September 8, 2024 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.
He was born February 5, 1929 in Chico, California to Japanese immigrants. Glenn’s father became a major rice farmer in Imperial Valley, CA. The family thrived there until World War II broke out at which time, Glenn, his mother and four siblings were interned at Poston I Internment Camp, Arizona from 1942 to 1944. Because of his father’s prominence in the community, he was sent to a separate internment camp. The family was reunited and lived briefly in Wyoming and Colorado before returning to California settling in Bakersfield. Despite this devastating experience, Glenn chose to serve our Country by joining the Army in 1947.
Prior to admittance to the U.S. Military Academy in 1950, he attended the USMA Preparatory school. While at the Prep School, Glenn was known as a hard-working professional and gentleman. Glenn is remembered warmly by classmates at the Prep School as a positive, moderating influence on his sometimes rowdy bunk mates.
In addition to being the second Japanese-American graduate when the Class of 1954 received diplomas and commissions in June 1954, Glenn added another distinction. Glenn was very proud of the appointment of his brother Robert with the USMA Class of 1958. Robert arrived at West Point one month after Glenn’s graduation. It was the first time brothers would receive consecutive appointments to West Point.
In addition to his degree from West Point, Glenn received his MBA from The Ohio State University in 1963, and completed coursework for the Technology of Management PhD Program at The American University in 1969. He was also a graduate of the U.S. Army Command and General Staff College and the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.
Upon graduation Glenn served in Korea and the U. S. Civil Administration of the Ryukeu Islands. He served two successive combat tours in Vietnam and during his second tour commanded a one thousand man reinforced artillery regiment. Upon returning to the United States he served on the Army Staff, in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and the Office of the Secretary of Defense. His awards included the Legion of Merit with Oak Leaf Cluster, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service Medal, and the Army Commendation Medal.
In retirement after after 37 years on active duty, Glenn was a successful real estate investor and developer in Northern Virginia, Southern Maryland, Texas, and Lee County Florida.
He is survived by his second wife, Suzanne of Ft. Myers, FL who shared his love of travel and with whom he traveled around the world. He is also survived by his four children: Kirsten of McLean, VA, Stephen of Hallandale Beach, FL, Karl of Fayetteville, AR, and Eric of Elk Grove, CA. He will be greatly missed by his six grandchildren and three great grandchildren. He was loved and admired by many people and will be missed by all.
Friends are invited to attend a Celebration of Life on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 1:30PM at Fort Myers Memorial Gardens Funeral Home, 1589 Colonial Blvd., Fort Myers. Visiting hour will begin at 12:30PM. Internment with Military Honors will be on Tuesday October 8, at 2:30PM at Sarasota National Cemetery, 9810 State Road 72, Sarasota, FL 34241.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to The Dubin Center, 12685 New Brittany Blvd, Ft. Myers, FL 33907 or online at www.dubincenter.com in loving memory of Col Glenn Matsumoto. Online condolences can be made at www.fortmyersmemorial.com
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