Robert L. Mathews

Robert L. Mathews, age 89, of Girard, passed away on Wednesday, September 14, 2022, at his home. 

He was born on August 24, 1933, a son to the late Gordon and Sara (Waid) Mathews. 

Robert grew up on the family farm graduated from Springfield High School. Following high school he was inducted into the U.S. Army during the Korean War. He deployed overseas with the 28th infantry Regiment serving in the occupation forces of Germany. He later transferred to the 47 Infantry Regiment where he was honorably discharged in 1955. Robert was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Good Conduct Medal and Occupation Medal (Germany).

He had learned the worth of work from an early age and continued in this tradition as a blue collar worker throughout his life. He most recently worked for Penn Brass Copper Company. He also was served as a Girard Police Man in years past in addition to being a volunteer at Dobler Hose Fire Company. In later years Robert wanted to keep working hard as he always had and took a job at K-Mart in the warehouse. Unfortunately while working there was an accident that left him unable to work. He loved to take a week to relax and take the family on a vacation each year. Every Sunday was a day to get lost in the back country on drives. He was always active with his children in their younger years. He also was a mechanic on the side helping local shops and friends. Robert was an avid hunter and fisherman on local streams. His trips to camp with his brother were well enjoyed playing cards and carrying on together. Robert was a member of the Girard American Legion. 

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, June E. (Rogers) Mathews, whom he married on July 23, 1955, in Girard; a daughter, Janet M. Mathews; son, Walter Whitaker III; sisters, Marjorie Bort, Wilma Perry and Lila Wright; brothers, Hubert and Charles Mathews. 

He will be greatly missed by his family which include his daughters, Kathleen Swanseger (Daniel) and Alicia A. Frey; daughter-in-law, Sue Whitaker; son-in-law, John Frey; sisters, Linda Frank and Judy Zurinsky; grandchildren, Jason R. Lesh (Chastity), Anne Redine (Jared), Dr. Katherine R. Whitaker (Beau Monnot), Leah M. Benefield (Christopher); great-grandchildren, Kara (Josh), Cassandra, Lilian, Tyler, Hailey, Preston, Sophie and William; great-great-grandchildren, Melody and Raven. 

The family would like to extend their thanks to the staff at AseraCare Hospice Care, especially Stacy P. and Darla.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to A.F. Dobler Hose and Ladder Co., 37 Walnut St., Girard, PA 16417.

Friends are invited to attend a graveside service at Springfield Cemetery on Friday, September 23, 2022 at 11AM where full military honors will be rendered.

Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Edder Funeral Home Inc., Girard.

To send condolences go to edderfuneralhome.com

SEE YOU IN THE FUNNIES!

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Robert L. Mathews, please visit our floral store.