Frederick Charles Mathias
Loving Husband, Father, and Grandfather passed away Friday, January 1 following a chronic cardiac illness surrounded by his loving family at his daughters’ home.
A lifelong area resident of East End, Fred was the only son of the late Robert and Mary Mathias. He graduated from East Liverpool High School, class of 1964. He enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving in Vietnam from 1965-69. He scored the highest in Santa Margarita Range at Camp Pendleton. This achievement led him to an assigned three-day sniper school at which he was assigned staging for four weeks in the Mountain Warfare Training Center in CA, Okinawa for Jump Scuba School, and then The Sniper Battalion recruited him to Da Nang Vietnam. His highest rank was E-6 Staff Sergeant for the 1st Marine Division-Sniper 3rd Battalion Mike 3/1. The many medals he was awarded included Purple Heart, National Defense Service, Vietnamese Campaign and Service, Republic of Vietnam Campaign, Marine Corps Good Conduct, Presidential Unit Citation, Machine Gun Expert-Rifle with a 2year bar, Expert Pistol bar, and parachute jump wings.
Fred married his high school sweetheart Joyce Johnston in 1967. Together, their love story began at the age of 14. Fred was the proud father of three children who will forever cherish his memory. Son Ross Mathias and his companion Amy Vaughn, Daughters MaryKay and her husband Shane Hoppel, DeeDee and her husband Jeff Giles. He and Joyce were blessed with 5 grandchildren that they spoiled immensely; Clayton Parker, Sabrina Hoppel, Michaella, Miles, & Jack Mathias. He is survived by his sister-in-law Kathryn and her husband Bill Show. He shared a special bond with his niece and nephew Janice Johnson(Adam) & Joseph Spooner (fiancé Kerrie), loving them like they were his own. Also, he will be missed by his great-niece and nephews: Cailynn Shields (son Blake), Christopher Croxall, Austin Spooner, Boone Johnson, Wyatt Johnson, Bryce Spooner. He had two sisters; Lynette Telek of Mount Vernon, Ohio, and the late Jane Mathias. He will also be sadly missed by his two dogs Dixie and Demi, and three cats Mathew, Cody, and Lucky.
After the return from Vietnam, he worked for Crucible Steel briefly. He then started as a patrolman for the East Liverpool Police Department working to protect the city he loved. Retiring in 1990 as a Captain.
A lifelong learner and self-taught avid outdoorsman, he enjoyed various hobbies such as hunting, fishing, and camping.
He belonged to many outdoor sporting clubs and spent most of his time at the Tri-State Coon Hunters Club, becoming a lifetime member. He leaves many memories teaching his passion to his children and grandchildren.
In honoring Fred’s wishes, no visitation or services will be held.
Arner Funeral Chapel Inc was entrusted with his care.
Fred cared for many stray cats throughout the years.
In Lieu of flowers, donations can be made to help spay and neuter stray cats in East End founded by Jo Ann White. Make donations to Marilyn Bosco 126 West 6th Street East Liverpool, Ohio 43920.