Clarence R. Mathews, age 85, of Galion, passed away Sunday morning, April 12, 2015, at the Morrow Manor Nursing Center.
He was born on December 27, 1929 to the late Emmett and Blanche (Patrick) Mathews in Delaware County. Clarence graduated from Chesterville High School in the class of 1948.
Shortly after high school Clarence enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served state side during the Korean War. While stationed in San Diego, CA Clarence earned the rank of Corporal and was the instructor for the Camp Mathews rifle range. Clarence served his country proudly until his honorable discharge in 1953.
In 1953, Clarence married the late Maxine A. Sterritt. In 1979, Clarence found a second chance for love when he married the late Janet Gerhart.
For 35 years Clarence worked hard as tool and die maker for General Motors until his retirement. He truly took pride in his work. After working a long day in the shop he would come home and do the chores on his farm growing corn and beans. Clarence always had an eye on real estate. Sometimes he found such a good deal he would buy the house himself to fix it up and flip it.
When Clarence wasn’t working, you could find him enjoying the outdoors. He loved going to auctions, coon hunt with his dogs, and mushroom hunting. Clarence also enjoyed watching the planes fly over his house by the airport or especially at the Dayton Air Show. Clarence was a lifelong member of the American Legion, Scarbough Post 243 in Galion, AMVETS Post 87, and Galion Moose lodge 303. Most of all Clarence loved spending time with his grandkids and great grandkids.
He will be dearly missed by his son, Ron (Linda) Mathews of Galion; daughter, Terri (Jack) Wilson of Mount Gilead; step daughters: Melody (Dean) Levering of Caledonia and Laura (Russ) Ghent of Florida; 12 grandchildren: Crissy (Rory) Burgin of Mt. Sterling, Bobbi Jo (Bob) Everly of Galion, Nikki (Tim) Swalley of Mount Gilead, Stacy (Shane) Gabriel of Galion, Lindsay (Jon) Fetter of Marion, Tyler (Brittany) Levering of Caledonia, Austin Levering of Caledonia, Quinn Levering of Caledonia, Ben (Rosi) Neumann of Florida, Brittany (Cody) Frasure of Covington, Zachary Thomas of Florida, and Sonia Fry of Marion; 14 great grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and all of his friends and the wonderful staff at Morrow Manor.
Clarence was preceded in death by his parents; wife; grandson, Tony Mathews; step daughter, Lisa Thomas; brother, Kenneth Mathews; and sisters: Juanita Snyder and Mary Deckling.
His family will greet friends from 4 to 7 PM on Tuesday, April 14, 2015 at the Snyder Funeral Home, Craven Chapel, 67 N. Main St., Mount Gilead. A celebration of life will be held there at 11 AM on Wednesday, April 15, 2015 with Chaplin Pam Lamb-Hart officiating. Burial will take place in Maple Grove Cemetery with full military honors provided by the active duty Marines and the local VFW Post 8054 and AMVETS Post 87 Honor Guard.
If desired, memorial contributions may be made to Morrow Manor: Pathways Unit or to the Alzheimer’s Association and may be sent to the care of the funeral home.
Snyder Funeral Homes of Mount Gilead are honored to have been chosen to serve Clarence’s family and your condolences may be expressed to them by visiting www.SnyderFuneralHomes.com.
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