Otis D. Mathias

Otis Dean Mathias, Sr., age 70, of New Philadelphia died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday, January 11, 2012.A son of the late Dewey L. and Lucille Everett Mathias, Otis was born on April 29, 1941 in Mill Township, Uhrichsville, OhioHe attended the former Dennison High School and married the former Alice K. Case. As a couple, they reared three sons and shared in 45 years of marriage prior to Alice’s death on October 5, 2007.Otis was a devoted husband and father who was passionate about caring for his family and ensuring their needs were met as he often worked two jobs at a time to make ends meet. For a number of years, he was employed by Superior Clay at Uhrichsville, worked for Marlite Manufacturing at Dover, Click Manufacturing at New Philadelphia, and ultimately retired from the former Joy Manufacturing at New Philadelphia.Having been diagnosed with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis at a young age, Otis was determined to not let the disease slow him down. Always making each day count, Otis was always on the move and never shied from sharing his uncanny sense of humor with others. Known as a kind gentleman around town he will be missed by the many friends he got to know as a customer of Discount Drug Mart and The Daily Grind Coffee Shop.As a young man, he enjoyed fishing and gardening. Later in life, he also looked forward to going out to eat with his family and friends and found joy in playing the lottery; as he was continuously hoping for that big win.He will be missed by his three sons, Otis D. Mathias, Jr. , Edwin (Shannon) Mathias all of New Philadelphia; and Eric (Dawn) Mathias of Canton; six grandchildren, one great-grandchild; an expectant great-grandchild in June, and a close friends and caregivers, Stephanie Bomboris and Kurt Page . Completing the family are a sister, Mabel Wesson of Dennison; two brothers, Adrian (Karen) Mathias and Raymond (Tina) Mathias all of New Philadelphia as well as numerous nieces and nephews.In addition to his parents and wife, Otis was preceded in death by two sisters, Leona Paige and Linda Rowe.In keeping with Otis’ wishes there will be no public visitation or services. Cremation will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory at Dover. A private memorial service and burial in the Ridgecrest Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date.The family requests memorial contributions in Otis’ name may be directed to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 West Peachtree Street, Atlanta, GA 30309