Otis Mathias Sr.
Otis Dean Mathias Sr., 70, of New Philadelphia, died peacefully in his sleep Jan. 11, 2012.
A son of the late Dewey L. and Lucille Mathias, Otis was born April 29, 1941, in Uhrichsville. He attended the former Dennison High School and married the former Alice K. Case. As a couple, they reared three sons and shared in 45 years of marriage prior to Alice’s death in 2007.
Otis was a devoted husband and father who was passionate about caring for his family and ensuring their needs were met, as he often worked two jobs at a time to make ends meet. For a number of years, he was employed by Superior Clay, Uhrichsville, worked for Marlite Manufacturing, Dover, Click Manufacturing, New Philadelphia, and ultimately retired from the former Joy Manufacturing, New Philadelphia.
Having been diagnosed with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis at a young age, Otis was determined to not let the disease slow him down. Always making each day count, Otis was always on the move and never shied from sharing his uncanny sense of humor with others. Known as a kind gentleman around town, he will be missed by the many friends he got to know as a customer of Discount Drug Mart and The Daily Grind Coffee Shop.
As a young man, Otis enjoyed fishing and gardening. Later in life, he looked forward to going out to eat with his family and friends and found joy in playing the lottery; he was continuously hoping for that big win.
Otis will be missed by his sons, Otis D. Mathias Jr. and Edwin (Shannon) Mathias, both of New Philadelphia, and Eric (Dawn) Mathias of Canton; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; close friends and caregivers, Stephanie Bomboris and Kurt Page; sister, Mabel Wesson of Dennison; brothers, Adrian (Karen) Mathias and Raymond (Tina) Mathias, both of New Philadelphia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Leona Paige and Linda Rowe.
In keeping with Otis’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. Cremation will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory, Dover. Private memorial services and burial in Ridgecrest Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date.
Those wishing to do so may share a story of Otis or send the family personal condolences by signing his online registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions in Otis’s name be directed to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309.
A son of the late Dewey L. and Lucille Mathias, Otis was born April 29, 1941, in Uhrichsville. He attended the former Dennison High School and married the former Alice K. Case. As a couple, they reared three sons and shared in 45 years of marriage prior to Alice’s death in 2007.
Otis was a devoted husband and father who was passionate about caring for his family and ensuring their needs were met, as he often worked two jobs at a time to make ends meet. For a number of years, he was employed by Superior Clay, Uhrichsville, worked for Marlite Manufacturing, Dover, Click Manufacturing, New Philadelphia, and ultimately retired from the former Joy Manufacturing, New Philadelphia.
Having been diagnosed with debilitating rheumatoid arthritis at a young age, Otis was determined to not let the disease slow him down. Always making each day count, Otis was always on the move and never shied from sharing his uncanny sense of humor with others. Known as a kind gentleman around town, he will be missed by the many friends he got to know as a customer of Discount Drug Mart and The Daily Grind Coffee Shop.
As a young man, Otis enjoyed fishing and gardening. Later in life, he looked forward to going out to eat with his family and friends and found joy in playing the lottery; he was continuously hoping for that big win.
Otis will be missed by his sons, Otis D. Mathias Jr. and Edwin (Shannon) Mathias, both of New Philadelphia, and Eric (Dawn) Mathias of Canton; six grandchildren; a great-grandchild; close friends and caregivers, Stephanie Bomboris and Kurt Page; sister, Mabel Wesson of Dennison; brothers, Adrian (Karen) Mathias and Raymond (Tina) Mathias, both of New Philadelphia; as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his wife, he was preceded in death by sisters, Leona Paige and Linda Rowe.
In keeping with Otis’s wishes, there will be no public visitation or services. Cremation will be conducted through Geib’s Tuscarawas Valley Crematory, Dover. Private memorial services and burial in Ridgecrest Memorial Gardens will take place at a later date.
Those wishing to do so may share a story of Otis or send the family personal condolences by signing his online registry at http://www.geibcares.com.
Family requests memorial contributions in Otis’s name be directed to the Arthritis Foundation, 1330 W. Peachtree St., Atlanta, GA 30309.
Published: January 15, 2012
