Richard Dale Mathias

Richard Dale Mathias, age 93, of Dover, went to be with the Lord on Thursday, May 2, 2013, following a period of declining health.

A son of the late Edwin R. and Olive (Green) Mathias, Dick was born at New Philadelphia on December 8, 1919.

He attended New Philadelphia High School and honorably served his country as a member of the United States Army during World War II.

Upon his return home, Dick began a 30 year career with the former IF Tool at New Philadelphia where he worked in the firm’s foundry.

On July 12, 1941, Dick married the love of his life, the former Mildred Jean Fahner and as a couple reared three children.

Dick was a longtime and devoted member of the Broadway United Methodist Church at New Philadelphia where for many years he was a youth group leader. Dick greatly enjoyed railroading and taking rail excursions when the opportunity arose and was also a talented woodworker.

In addition to his wife of 71 years, Dick is survived by his three children, Pat (Jerry) McDowell of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Robert (Virginia) Mathias of Canal Winchester, Ohio and Carolyn (James) Rabes of Dundee, Ohio; five grandchildren, Bryan (Becky) McDowell, Michael (Sarah) McDowell all of Fond du Lac, Wisconsin, Kimberly (Kevin) Propp of Milton, Wisconsin, Jamie (Jan) Mathias of Chandler, Arizona and Bruce (Megan) Mathias of Pataskala, Ohio.

Completing the family are 12 great-grandchildren, a niece Janet Mathias of New Philadelphia, two great- nieces, and a brother-in-law, Robert Fahner also of New Philadelphia.

In addition to his parents, Dick was preceded in death by two brothers, Russell Mathias and Dean Mathias as well as a nephew, Donald Mathias.

The family will receive guests on Monday, May 6, 2013 one hour prior to services, from 12:30 – 1:30 PM in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor Bill Sowers will lead a memorial service celebrating Dick’s life in the funeral home’s chapel on Monday at 1:30 PM. Burial will follow in the East Avenue Cemetery at New Philadelphia. Following services, all are invited to join the family in Spencer Hall of the Broadway United Methodist church where a meal and fellowship will be shared.

The family requests memorial contributions in Dick’s memory be directed to a charity of the donor’s choice.