David L. Mathey
Age 75, of Magnolia, lost a hard fought battle with esophageal cancer on Sat. evening, Dec. 7, 2013. He went home to be with the Lord where he will reunite with those who went before him. He was born in Massillon, OH on February 18, 1938, to the late Alphonse and Mary (Laughlin) Mathey. Dave graduated from Massillon Washington High School in 1956and attended the University of Akron. He worked for many years at The Timken Company, followed by White Engines and ended his career at the Swagelok Companies. Dave was a man of many talents. He could accomplish anything he set out to do. He built a barn and large additions on two of the homes he owned. He was that unique individual who could not only design something but build it as well. He did complete restorations on cars and antique tractors, rode motorcycles and held his private pilot's license. He loved anything that flew. He built and flew a CGS Hawk ultralight, rode in the Goodyear blimp, and even took a flight on a B29. He was formerly a member of Faith Lutheran Church, Huff Run Watershed, AMA model airplane club, Harley HOG, and the NRA. He was known by his many friends and neighbors as "The Sheriff" in recognition of his daily "patrols" of the Magnolia and Mineral City area. He made many friends in the area after he purchased the home on Jennie Brick Road which was originally built by his great-great-grandfather in 1840, and lovingly restored by him. In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his brother, Charles Mathey and his son, Daniel David Mathey. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Linda (Crites) Mathey; his daughter and son-in-law, Laurie and Keith Wetter, of Carrollton, OH, his son and daughter-in-law, Donald (Doug) and Barbara Mathey, of Massillon, OH, and his four grand-daughters, Sara Wetter, Hannah Wetter, Tiffany (Pat) Packer, and Christina Blankenship; one great-grandson, Aiden Blankenship; his aunt, Patricia Amstutz, of Canton; sisters-in-law, Barbara (Larson) Mathey, of Melbourne, FL, Carol (Crites) Anile and her husband, Dom, of Henderson, NV; brothers-in law, Clifford Crites and his wife, Pat, of Westfield Center, OH, and William Crites and his wife, Edith, of Greensburg, PA; as well as eleven nieces and nephews. Services will be held Sat. at 11 a.m. in the Finefrock-Gordon Funeral Home in Magnolia with his God son, Deacon David Nethery officiating. Interment will be in Greenlawn Cemetery in Sandyville. Friends may call Friday 6-8 p.m. and Sat. one hour before the service. The family would like to thank Dr. Farouq Ahmed and the wonderful caring staff at Tri-County Oncology and Hematology and Dr. Elliott Schapiro for the outstanding care they gave him which allowed us so much more time with Dave. In lieu of flowers, contributions in Dave's memory may be made to Lantern Light Ministries, 1802 Tulane Ave., New Orleans, LA 70112, or to the donor's favorite charity. Condolences may be sent to: www.gordonfuneralhomes.com
Gordon (330) 866-9425