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Ryan Mathews Obituary

Pastor Ryan Mathews Pastor Ryan Mathews, 28, passed away October 12, 2011. Born in Akron, Ryan lived most of his life in the area. Ryan graduated from The University of Akron in 2006, Magna Cum Laude with a Music Education Degree. He also graduated from Eden Theological Seminary in Webster Grove, Missouri on May 20, 2011. He was awaiting a call to serve a parish at which time ordination would take place. Ryan had been a member of The University of Akron Marching Band, a board member of United Church of Christ Office of General Ministries and secretary of United Church of Christ Disabilities Ministries. He is survived by his mother, Karen (Richard) Thomason of Pender, Nebraska; father, Robert (Laura) Mathews of Perry Township; sister, Melanie Zaidman and nephews, Daniel and Benjamin; grandmother, Janet Scoville; aunts, Sue (Tony) Abrusci and Janice (Curt) Carlton, all of Cuyahoga Falls; and uncle, Kenneth (Jill) Mathews of North Canton. Funeral service will be 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 20, 2011 at First Grace Church, 350 S. Portage Path, Akron (at the intersection of S. Portage Path and W. Exchange), with Rev. Bob Dreese officiating. Visitation will be 5 until 7:30 p.m. on Thursday prior to the service at the church. Graveside service will be 11 a.m. Friday, October 21, 2011 at Chestnut Hill Cemetery in Cuyahoga Falls. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Eden Seminary for the Ryan Mathews Memorial Fund, 475 E. Lockwood Ave., St. Louis, MO 63119.

330-633-3350

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Published by Akron Beacon Journal from Oct. 19 to Oct. 20, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Ryan Mathews

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Karen & Richard Thomason

November 9, 2011

Thank you so much for all your comforting words and prayers. We continue to be proud of our son,Ryan in all his achievements, & hold him close to our hearts. His inspiration will continue.

Willie Jones

October 27, 2011

To Ryan's family, our thoughts and prayers are with you during this season of life. Willie Jones and family.

dorothy romesberg

October 22, 2011

To the families of Ryan Matthews,
My heart aches for your loss of Ryan.
My thoughs and memories of him as a child and adult are inspiring.
Rest in peace.

Dawn Martin

October 22, 2011

My life is forever changed by knowing you, Ryan. I don't look at the world the same way.

Janice (Kaparic) Cassidy

October 21, 2011

Karen and family,
I was so sorry to hear about Ryan. He and I used to have great conversations at your house in Cuyahoga Falls! My prayers are with your and your family.

Wendy Thomas

October 21, 2011

I was Ryan's Physical Education teacher at Sill Middle School. I remember how he used to come to the gym and be excited to do his adapted P.E. He loved to work with Mr. DeRemer and he was always so upbeat and a pleasure to know. I wish his family and friends peace and comfort during this difficult time.

John Phillips

October 21, 2011

Ryan you were a great inspiration while we were at Akron together. May the music in your sould never be quiet. Your memory will always live on. -John P. Akron Univ.

C.H. Former Staff at CFHS

October 20, 2011

To Ryans family and friends, May God hold you in the palm of his hand to give all of you comfort during this sad time in your lives. Ryan will certainly be having some wonderful discussions with the heavenly father!

Summer Frazier-Soto

October 20, 2011

Words bring little comfort in a time when the deep pain of loss prevails, but Jesus is bigger than pain and loss, and I truly believe that He has the power to heal in His time and in His way. I am praying for your family, and I take comfort that Ryan knows complete healing now, and is walking beside Jesus in the Kingdom. He inspired me and countless others, and will never be forgotten.

Patti Kapusinski

October 20, 2011

Ryan has impacted a lot of lives in such a wonderful way. God has used Ryan to show that through Him anything is possible. May God continent to use Ryan as we remember all the fun, wisdom, and love he showed for others. In Christ Patti & Wes Kapusinski & Kristin Burton

Rosie Howard

October 19, 2011

Bob,
APSI's thoughts and prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Be very proud of Ryan's Legacy-for it is one of great strength!
Rosie Howard-APSI

Gregory Roth

October 19, 2011

It seems like yesterday that Ryan would come to his AP U.S. History class at Cuyahoga Falls High School. I looked forward to his wit and insight in the topics we discussed. Ryan was such an inspiration to me. He is with the Savior with a new body smiling all over from His Grace. Blessings to the family with His Peace and understanding.

vicki duhon

October 19, 2011

I'm so sorry for your loss. Known Ryan for a long time.

October 19, 2011

Melanie,
We are so sorry for the sudden loss of your brother. May God bless you and comfort you now and in the difficult days ahead. We are here for you and the boys if you need anything at all.
Love and prayers,
Stephanie and Brandon Borak

Haggy Hageman

October 19, 2011

Pastor Ryan, I guess God had other plans for you, after all. Please know that it was a privilege to have served as your casemanager and friend. My heartfelt sympathies to your Mother and family.

vicki duhon

October 19, 2011

Im so sorry to hear about your lost. I have known him for a long time. Im at a lost for words.

Barb Sapharas

October 19, 2011

Bob and family, my thoughts and prayers are with you at this time. I know what an impact Ryan had on many who knew him and who heard about him. May his memory be eternal!

The Staff of Donovan Funeral Home

October 19, 2011

We appreciate you trusting us with the care of your loved one at this difficult time.

October 19, 2011

My brother,my friend,my sons inspiration...I Love You Always & Forever,Love Your Sister Melanie

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