Gerald (Jerry) Bishop Mattheis of Cambridge City, died of cancer January 15, 2023 at age 90. He was under the care of his family and hospice in Greenville, Ohio.
He was born in Connersville, Indiana on October 24, 1932, to John and Loucille (Bishop) Mattheis and graduated from Lincoln High School in Cambridge City in 1951. He served four years in the US Naval Air Force during the Korean War and spent 18 months as an Aviation Electrician Mate on the aircraft carrier USS Randolph. He resided in both Cambridge City and Hagerstown.
Jerry enjoyed meeting and talking with people. He had friends all across the USA and England. He traveled to 48 of the US states and 42 countries. He enjoyed recounting stories of his adventures and the people he met.
Jerry worked his whole life, slowing down after he reached the age of 90. He founded Mattheis Inc. providing design and drafting work for area manufacturers. He is listed on some patents. He had a distinctive professional printing style that was appreciated by his peers.
Jerry and his wife were very involved in historical preservation and real estate development. Their primary achievement was the restoration of the Overbeck House and Pottery Studio. He was a member of Western Wayne Heritage, Masonic Lodge, Scottish Rite and Whitewater Canal Byway Association. Jerry was past President of Hagerstown Rotary and New Day Kiwanis, past Treasurer of Zion’s Lutheran Church, and a Director on the Board of the Canal Society of Indiana. He had previously served on the Hagerstown Town Board.
Jerry was married August 16, 1953, to Phyllis Resh of Centerville. He leaves his wife, three children Mike (Debra), Jill (Mark) Harris, Mark (Katharine), two granddaughters, five grandsons, seven great-grandchildren and one niece.
He was preceded in death by his parents, older brother Bill and two infant daughters.
A memorial service will be held at the convenience of the family. Memorial contributions may be made to Zion’s Lutheran Church, PO Box 6, Pershing, IN 47370.
Online condolences may be made at www.waskoms.com