Dale E. Mathews

Dale E. Mathews, 88, of Van Wert, died at 10:18 p.m. Sunday, February 24, 2013, at the Van Wert Area Inpatient Hospice Center.

He was born January 10, 1925, in Union Township, Van Wert County, the son of the late Charles Ernest Mathews and Helen (Taylor) Mathews Watson. He first married Louisa Ruth (Green) Mathews Geething, who died July 10, 1991. On February 4, 1972, he married Barbara J. (Miller) Mathews, who preceded him in death on April 27, 2002.

Survivors include a son, John F. (Janis) Mathews of Scott; one daughter, Jean Henderlong of Seward, Alaska; a stepdaughter, Patty Bowers of Van Wert; two stepsons, Bill (Denise) Bowers of Aberdeen, Md., and Donald (Tina) Bowers of St. Marys; 16 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandchild.

Two children, Chuck Mathews and Ruth Ann Rhoades; and a brother, Clyde Mathews, also preceded him in death.

Funeral services will be conducted at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, March 2, at Cowan & Son Funeral Home in Van Wert, with Pastor Dennis Gilbert officiating. Burial will be in Woodland Cemetery in Van Wert.

Calling hours are from 2-7 p.m. Friday, March 1, at the funeral home.

Preferred memorials: Community Health Professionals and Hospice.