Larry Michael Mathias

Larry Michael Mathias 1950-2016
66, of New Philadelphia, died Friday, Dec. 16, 2016 in Union Hospital at Dover following complications from surgery. A son of Glenn Mathias of New Philadelphia and the late Viola (Menefee) Mathias, Larry was born June 4, 1950 at Dover, Ohio. Larry graduated from New Philadelphia High School in 1968. He was a member of the New Philadelphia VFW and AMVETS and was retired from the Times Reporter where he worked for 43 years. He was an avid outdoorsman. Larry enjoyed Lucky X shooting and was an avid hunter of deer, mushrooms, ginseng and berries. He enjoyed vacationing at Sanibel Island, Florida and will be remembered for his wonderful cooking skills, especially for his vegetable soup and corned beef sandwiches. Larry's family will remember him for his generous spirit and even in death he gave to others through the gift of organ and tissue donation.
He is survived by his father, Glenn; his wife, Linda (Neiger) Mathias; two daughters, Michelle (Jeff Becker) Welfley and Melissa (Robert Jr.) McKain both of Dover; his grandchildren, Hope (Brian McGinnis), Keerstin (Josh Heslop) Holly, Welfley, Emilee Welfley (Bob Gilmore) and Adelle (Travis Wigert) Welfley; three step-children, Robert Barstow of Tennessee, Paul Barstow of Wooster and Gene (Autumn) Barstow of Tennessee; his step-mother, Carol Mathias of New Philadelphia; his first wife, Doris Jean Elliott of Dover; a brother, Gary (Eve) Mathias of Barberton and his beloved cat, Panther.
In keeping with Larry's wishes there will be no calling hours or services and cremation will take place through the care of the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Those wishing to do so may send the family a personal condolence and light a candle in remembrance of Larry by visiting the funeral home website, www.geibcares.com.