Northeast Texas and Southwest Arkansas lost one of its icons of business and agriculture in December with the passing of Worth “Papa” Matteson III, a man who left behind a legacy and a history that made a lasting impact on all who knew him.

His story is one made up of a variety of places, people and adventures.

Born in Memphis, Tennessee while his father was away fighting in World War II, Papa Worth spent his early summers with his grandparents in Michigan and developed a love for fly fishing ...