Donald L. Mathews, 78 of Kansas, died at 12:55 a.m. Wednesday, July 11, 2012, at Cleveland Clinic.
He was born Nov. 26, 1933, at Tama, the son of Laura Etta Swander and Russell Raymond Mathews, who are deceased. He married Ruth A. Morehead on Aug. 4, 1962, and she survives.
Don was a 1951 graduate of Blume High School, Wapakoneta. He received his bachelor of science degree in mathematics from Ohio University in 1957 and his master of arts in mathematics from Indiana University in 1966. During this time he also served in the U.S. Army for two years.
Article Photos
Don was math and science teacher at Buckskin Valley High School from 1957-1962. From 1962-1985 he taught mathematics at Fostoria High School where he was senior advisor, National Honor advisor, and mathematics department head. After retiring from public school teaching, he taught mathematics at The University of Findlay from 1985-2003. For several years he also served as the math and computer science chair.
Mathews was selected as a Martha Holden Jennings Scholar in 1970, a leader of American Secondary Education in 1971 and Teacher of the Year, Fostoria Jayteens in 1977. He has been a member of Phi Delta Kappa for 14 years, Fostoria Education Association, Ohio Education Association and National Education Association.
His hobbies included farming, reading, traveling and amusing everyone with his story telling.
He leaves behind his wife of 49.926 years, Ruth; three sisters, Elaine (Don) Turner of Rockford, Ill., Loretta (Ed) Rostorfer of Lansing, Mich., and Janet (Don) Schwartz of Sidney; and many neices and nephews.
Friends and family may call from 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, July 18, 2012, at Harrold-Floriana Funeral Home, 301 W. Tiffin St., Fostoria, OH 44830, (419) 435-8118. Burial will be at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Sharing Kitchen of Fostoria.
