Earl Mathews Obituary

ATHENS — Earl Foster Mathews, 95, a longtime Athens community and business leader, died early Tuesday morning, Dec. 23, 2014, at his home after a brief illness.

Born Nov. 12, 1919, in Delaware, Ohio, he was the son of the late Harry D. and Marie Smith Mathews. He was a graduate of The Plains High School and had worked in the oil business with his brother, Neil Mathews, early in his life. He owned and operated Earl F. Mathews Insurance Agency in Athens from 1946-82.

Earl served as past president of the Athens Area Chamber of Commerce and was an advocate for the highway development of U.S. Route 33 between Lancaster, Ohio, and Ravenswood, W.Va. He was a 60-year member and past president of the Athens Kiwanis Club and a former board member of The Salvation Army. He was involved with the initial development and continuation of Kiwanis Pancake Day. He was a member of the former Skyline Gun Club and K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion. He served as past president of the Ohio Insurance Association.

Earl served in the U.S. Army during World War II in the Pacific Theatre and Fiji Islands. He was battalion commander of the Ohio National Guard in Athens and retired as a lieutenant colonel from the Ohio National Guard.

Earl is survived by a daughter, Linda Milliken, of Athens; two sons, Dr. Craig (Sandi) Mathews, of Athens, and David (Marianne) Mathews, of Scottsdale, Ariz.; six grandchildren, Steven Shevel, Jonathan Shevel, Sasha (Terrell) Boaz, Morgan (Ben) Mersy, Abby Mathews and Megan Mathews; two great-grandchild, Anthony Shevel and Graham Mersy; a sister-in-law, Mary Mathews, of Columbus; and several nieces and nephews.

Besides his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn "Sue" Rowland Mathews, in 2004; a son, Brent Mathews; a sister, Belle Reno; and four brothers, Neil Mathews, John L. Mathews, Bob Mathews and Deane Mathews.

Funeral service will be 11 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 30, 2014, at Jagers & Sons Funeral Home, Athens, with the Rev. Robert Martin officiating. Burial will be in Athens Memory Gardens. Friends may call between 4-7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 29, 2014, at the funeral home. Athens Kiwanis Club will hold services at 7 p.m. Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Appalachian Community Hospice, 35 Herrold Ave., Athens, OH 45701.

Military rites will be conducted at the cemetery by K.T. Crossen Post 21 American Legion, VFW Post 3477 and VFW Post 9893 Honor Guards.

Please share a memory, a note of condolence or sign the online register book at www.jagersfuneralhome.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Daily Sentinel from Dec. 26 to Dec. 27, 2014.

Memories and Condolences
for Earl Mathews

8 Entries

Candace Bridgewater

December 18, 2020

As I view Earl's kind, loving face I'm in tears as I realize how good it is to see him, remember him, think of the times together with my wonderful father, his brother, and remember just what strong, resilient, humorous, and thoughtful humans were parented by Harry and Marie Mathews. The large family, stressed by Harry's blindness, suffered many hardships. Their halting arrival in Athens, Ohio opened up many opportunities for the hard-working young men who then joined in the war effort and survived to found loving families. I'm grateful to be a part of this American story.

Eric Mathews

December 29, 2014

I owe the start to my insurance business career to Earl, as he got my foot in the door at Cincinnati Financial in 1977. Rest in peace Uncle Earl.
Eric Neil Mathews

Susan & Glen Kerkian

December 29, 2014

We are thinking of you and the entire family. We hope you are sharing wonderful memories of your father. Our sincere condolences,

Ruth Zorn

December 27, 2014

Sending my sincere condolences. He was a wonderful man and will be missed by many.
He was such a good friend to Augie.

Greg & Janelle Baney

December 26, 2014

Dear Mathews Family,

So very sorry to hear of the loss of your beloved father and grandfather.

Loving prayers and thoughts to you all!

OhioHealth Appalachian Community Hospice

December 26, 2014

Please accept our sincere condolences. Thank you for the honor and privilege of meeting Mr. Mathews and being a part of his care at the end of his life. If we can be of any help as you continue to cope with his death, do not hesitate to contact us. We have grief support services available for anyone who could benefit from them.

Steve Bridgewater

December 25, 2014

One of my father's best friends, Earl was a mentor and great friend to me. He made a difference in my life.

Candace (Candy) Bridgewater

December 25, 2014

My Uncle Earl, the last of Harry and Marie's kind and productive children, many of whom loved, and lived in, Athens. Every trip to Athens brought a looked forward to visit with Earl who always had a song on his lips and humor in his heart. I will miss you.

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