Richard A. MathisNEWARK: A graveside service celebrating the life of Richard A. Mathis will be held Monday, May 1, 2017 at 3 p.m. with Reverend Paul Hansen officiating at Newark Memorial Gardens. Rick passed away on Saturday, April 22, 2017 at his home. He was born on July 6, 1952 in Norristown, Pennsylvania to the late Albert 'Al' Mathis and Marie (Hartnett) Mathis. Rick was a graduate of Newark Senior High School in 1973. He recently retired from Ohio State University-Newark Campus and was a member of St. John's Lutheran Church. He loved to go fishing, attend OSU Football games and was a lifelong NASCAR fan. He is survived by his daughter, Jennifer (Mike) Brecht of Newark; two grandsons, Jordan Cunningham and Caleb Brecht; one great-grandson, Cayson; a sister, Kathleen Mathis of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his step-mother, Norma (Whitis) Williams, and his brother and sister. Memorial contributions may be made to The Foundation for Hospice of Central Ohio, P. O. Box 430, Newark, OH 43058 or The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute, 460 W. 10th Ave, Columbus, OH 43210.Please visit www.hendersonvanatta.com to view a memorial and to leave a message of condolence for the Mathis family.