Robert W.

Mathewson

Robert "Bob" William Mathewson, age 82, passed away peacefully December 26, 2016 with his family by his side. Bob began his life's journey born in Berea to Alfred J. Mathewson and Reba G. (Decker). After graduating from Medina High School in 1953, Bob enlisted in the US Army serving honorably as a Korean War veteran until 1956. Marrying the love of his life, Nancy, he began working as a barber in Elyria, OH, then proudly serving and protecting the citizens of Elyria as a firefighter for 25-years. During his career, Bob was one the first four Elyria firefighters to receive an Associate's Degree in Fire Science from Lorain County Community College. Bob believed in service to God, family and the community. He served several years as an umpire for the Grafton Hot Stove Baseball League, President of the Midview Band Boosters, and as a Trustee on the Carlisle Township Zoning Board. Bob attended LaPorte Methodist Church and served as a 32nd Degree Mason with Elyria F&AM Lodge #787 and a member of Medina Eagles Aerie 2224. Bob had an immense passion for music playing the clarinet, string bass, piano, and organ. His fervor for music continued into his retirement years as a member of the Carousel Organization of America and the Musical Box Society International, entertaining crowds at community celebrations, fairs and parades playing the calliope dressed as Uncle Sam. Bob maintained a wide spectrum of interests in life working on cars from an early age which grew into racing part-time at Lorain County and Sandusky Speedways. He had a tremendous knack for carpentry and remodeling throughout his years. His true love for God, family, and his country is an example to a rich life we all will treasure. Robert is survived by his wife of 58 years, Nancy (Garver) Mathewson; children William "Chris" (fiancée Maryann Nagy) Mathewson, Scott (Sharon) Mathewson, Susan Mathewson-Jones (Robert Jones); and loving grandchildren Johnathan, Ryan, Morgan, Taylor, Addison, Kaitlyn and Hunter; nephews Gary and Mike Fenderbosch, Dale Mathewson, Dan, Lyle and Tim Turner, niece Kay (Fenderbosch) Bradley and many great nephews and great nieces. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother James A. Mathewson, sister Helen L. Fenderbosch, Nephews David Mathewson, James Mathewson, and Michael Turner. The family will receive friends from 3-7:00 pm on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at Waite & Son Funeral Home, 765 N. Court St., Medina, Ohio. Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 am on Thursday, January 5, 2017 at the funeral home. Interment with military honors will follow at Spring Grove Cemetery in Medina. In lieu of flowers, the family requests making a donation to your favorite charity in Bob's name.