Richard Mathias Obituary

Richard Mathias

Richard Charles Mathias, 81, of Cygnet, passed away peacefully and surrounded by his family Saturday, Dec. 14, 2024. Born Oct. 31, 1943, in Cygnet, Richard was the beloved son of the late John and Rita (Seibert) Mathias.

Rich graduated from Elmwood High School in 1961. He retired from Honeywell Corporation, Fostoria, and Village of Cygnet. He proudly served on Cygnet Fire Department for over 50 years, 25 years as Fire Chief, where he was instrumental in building the current fire station. He was a life-long member of Holy Family Catholic Church, where he served as lector and communion server for decades.

Rich and his family spent many years traveling and camping and met many life-long friends. Many around the campfire will miss his ornery sense of humor and frequent shenanigans.

He was known throughout the land for his open-flame Kettlecorn recipe, fondly referred to by all as "Rich's Popcorn ." He and his family and friends spent countless hours popping kettlecorn while laughing, telling stories, and sharing a cocktail or two.

Rich and Linda enjoyed traveling to 49 states and 10 countries throughout their marriage. Their cruise to Alaska was their favorite.

Rich was a devoted husband to Linda (Vaughn) Mathias, with whom he shared almost 60 years of marriage. He is survived by his daughters, Lisa (Kevin) Noward of Waterville and Jennifer Mathias of Maumee; his brothers, Frank (Pat) Mathias of Coral Gables, Florida, and James (Doris) Mathias of Maumee; sister, Susan Cable of Ft Myers, Florida; and son-in-law, Bill Straley. Rich was the cherished grandfather of Chad (Holly) Ryder, Tyler (Kristen) Tatham, Drew (Megan) Dewulf, Trent (Ashley) Tatham, Bridget Dewulf, Seth McCartney and Parker Scannell; great-grandchildren, Aiden Tatham, Lakelyn and Loudon Ryder, Cage Moody, Lydia Dewulf, Callie Robinette, Maverick Robinette, all of whom he affectionally called Jack or Sis. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his daughter, Joanie (Bill) Straley; son-in-law, James Tatham; his brothers, Robert, Thomas, John and Gerald; and his sisters, Margaret Wickard and Katherine Cupp.

Visitation will be from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, at SMITH-CRATES FUNERAL HOME, North Baltimore.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11 a.m. Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024, at Holy Family Catholic Church, North Baltimore, with the Rev. Art Niewiadomski officiating. Burial will be at Weaver Cemetery, Bloom Township.

In lieu of flowers, please send a donation to Cygnet Fire Department or Shriners Hospital, both of which are organizations Rich truly believed in.

Online condolences may be expressed at www.smithcrates.com.