Gary "Yogi" Mathias

Gary “Yogi” Mathias 71 of Lancaster, Ohio passed away Friday, October 20, 2017 at the Pickering House.

He was born to the late Richard and Mildred Mathias on September 2, 1946 and a graduate of Lancaster High School Class of 1965.

Yogi was a Vietnam veteran serving in the US Navy as a corpsman. He retired from Mt. Carmel East Hospital as a truck driver. He was a member of AMVETS and Olivedale Senior citizens Center. Yogi was a 1962 Golden Glove Boxing Champion. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, nature, gardening, fishing, sports and music. He loved all people, spreading joy to everyone in his path.

Yogi is survived by his wife, Lynda Bininger Mathias; son, Todd ( Holly) Mathias of New Lexington, Ohio; daughters, Lori (Mark) Wiseman of Lancaster, Ohio, Michele (Rick) Hanna of Lancaster, Ohio and Dawn (Brian Solomon) Bininger of Groveport, Ohio; seven grandchildren, Whitley (Shannon Pacino) Hanna, Mariah and McKenna Wiseman, Cate and Colton Mathias, Joshua and Eva Solomon; great granddaughter, Addilynn Pacino; sister, Sandy Adams of North Carolina; brothers, Rick Mathias and David Mathias both of Lancaster, Ohio and Pat Mathias of Columbus, Ohio and several nieces and nephews.

A Celebration of Life will be held Tuesday, October 24, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. in the FRANK E. SMITH FUNERAL HOME CHAPEL, 405 N. COLUMBUS ST., LANCASTER, OHIO 43130 with Pastors Brandon Lietnaker officiating. Caring Cremation® to follow. Friends may visit Monday from 2-4 & 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home and 2 hours prior to the service on Tuesday. Inurnment will be at Floral Hills Memory Gardens with Pastor Toby Bullock officiating and the Lancaster Veterans Burial Detail conducting Military rites at the cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to The Pickering House, 282 Sells Rd., Lancaster, Ohio 43130, AMVETS, 700 S Maple St, Lancaster, OH 43130 or Fairfield County Humane Society, 1721 Granville Pike, Lancaster, OH 43130.

To send an online condolence, and sign the guest book, please visit www.funeralhome.com.

Visitation

Monday October 23, 2017 , 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home

Visitation

Monday October 23, 2017 , 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home

Celebration of Life

Tuesday October 24, 2017 , 1:00 PM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home Chapel

Visitation

Tuesday October 24, 2017 , 11:00 AM - 1:00 PM at Frank E. Smith Funeral Home