Robert Edward Mathews, Jr.

Robert Edward Mathews Jr. “Bob” age 87, passed away peacefully on Sunday May 31st in Columbus, Ohio surrounded by his family.

Born on February 10th, 1939 to the late Robert and Alice (Nelleny) Mathews Sr., Bob graduated from Aquinas College High School in 1957 and went on to earn a Bachelor of Arts and Sciences degree from The Ohio State University in 1962. During his time at Ohio State, he was a proud member of the Beta Theta Pi Fraternity.

Following graduation, Bob served his country in the United States Army from 1963 to 1966, attaining the rank of First Lieutenant and serving as a helicopter pilot, which included a deployment to Vietnam in 1964. He was proud of his service to his country and the many memories and friendships he formed throughout this important time in his life.

After his military service, Bob built a successful career in the printing industry. He worked for Columbus Bank Note Company and later Harper Engraving & Printing Company. In 1993, he ventured out on his own and fulfilled his entrepreneurial dream by founding Mathews Printing Company, which he owned and operated with pride and dedication for nearly 30 years.

Bob was also a longtime member of Scioto Country Club where he particularly enjoyed his Tuesday evening rounds of golf in later life and deeply valued the friendships and community he found there throughout the years.

Bob is survived by his sister Marianne Mathews; son, Robert (Kim) Mathews III of Atlanta, Georgia and his daughter, Maggie (Gavin) Freytag of Columbus, Ohio; and six beloved grandchildren, Robert, Evee, Reid, Abigail, Eliza, and Hunter.

Bob will be remembered for his service to his country, his entrepreneurial spirit, his great sense of humor and cherished friendships, and most of all his devotion to his family.

The family would like to give a special thank you to all of his caregivers over the last couple of years.

Family and friends are invited to attend visitation hours on Thursday June 4, 2026 at Egan Ryan Northwest Chapel 4661 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 from 4-6pm. A funeral service will be held on Friday, June 5, 2026, 11am, at Egan Ryan Northwest Chapel  4661 Kenny Rd, Columbus, OH 43220 followed by a burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.

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