William L. Mathews

William L. Mathews, age 89 of Hamilton passed away at Ft. Hamilton Hospital on Wednesday, November 23, 2011 at 5:00 AM surrounded by his family. He was born in Hamilton on February 26, 1922 the son of William E. and Blanche (Haizeman) Mathews. William was a veteran of the U.S. Navy during World War II from 1942 to 1947 and was employed at Champion Paper for 46 years, retiring in 1986. He was an avid Reds fan and coached his sons in baseball and basketball. William was a member of St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church and loved being with his family. On February 9, 1946 in Shandon, he married Mary E. Maybury, and she preceded him in death in 2004.

He is survived by nine children, Sandy (Noshir) Deboo of Springfield, Betty (Marvin) Miller of Fairfield, Karen Fowler of Hamilton, Marcia (fiancé Randy Stamper) Retherford of Middletown, Jerry (Kim) Mathews, Diane (Keith) Howell, both of Hamilton, Tom (Tanya) Mathews of Hilliard, Ohio, Rich (Kerri) Mathews, and Chris (Shawn) Pater, both of Hamilton; a daughter-in-law, Debby Mathews of Fairfield; 22 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; and devoted lifelong friends, Ray and Mary Conlin and Father Joe Beckman. He was preceded in death by his parents and a son, Steve Mathews.

Family and friends are invited to attend a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Peter in Chains Catholic Church, 382 Liberty Avenue, on Tuesday, November 29, 2011 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Ronald C. Haft and Father Joseph Beckman, Con-Celebrants. Burial will follow in St. Stephen’s Cemetery. Visitation will be held at the Brown-Dawson-Flick Funeral Home, 1350 Millville Avenue, on Monday from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM. Prayers will be held at the funeral home on Tuesday at 9:15 AM. In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to the William L. Mathews Scholarship Fund, c/o Hamilton Community Foundation, 319 North Third Street, Hamilton, 45011.