Gordon "Matt" William Mathias

Mr. Gordon "Matt" William Mathias, 93, of Newnan, Georgia, passed away Saturday, October 5, 2024, at his home surrounded by his loving family. He was born November 4, 1930, in Peterborough, Ontario, Canada, to the late Chauncey Limbach Mathias and Elizabeth Jane 'Jennie' (Puffer) Mathias. He was preceded in death by his brothers, Donald and Henry, and sister, Ruth (Mathias) Koonz. Gordon's family moved from Canada to the U.S. when he was a small child. He grew up in Allentown, PA., and proudly became an American citizen. Gordon enlisted in the U.S. Navy following high school and served until honorably discharged in 1952. Gordon has fond memories of his military service, particularly traveling aboard the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVB-41) to Italy, France, Portugal, and Gibraltar. His family eventually moved to Miami, FL., where Gordon pursued his 37-year career at Eastern Airlines, first in Miami and then transferred to Atlanta Hartsfield Airport in 1979 when his immediate family settled in Newnan, GA. Gordon continued his career at Kawasaki in Newnan, GA, for an additional 12 years. While at Eastern Airlines, Gordon met Marie Schuttert on a blind date at the bowling alley. Gordon knew it was love at first sight when Marie out-bowled him! He could clearly see she would keep him on his toes. They married on January 24, 1959, and enjoyed 65 wonderful years together, raising three children, Mark, Michael, and Bridget, then later doted on 10 beautiful grandchildren. Gordon's expressed his love and faith through acts of service always caring and giving to others in need. Gordon came to save faith in Jesus while mowing the churchyard and helping with construction needs. While Gordon was serving, he was also learning that salvation was a free gift to him which he gladly received with the encouragement and support of his wife. Gordon has been a member and faithful servant for 40 years at Trinity Church as an usher, greeter, and encourager to all. He also helped those in need with construction projects whether it was laying a foundation, installing sprinkler systems, and even helping a family rebuild their home that they lost to a fire. One of Gordon's greatest joys was assisting his wife at Trinity Christian School, where she was a kindergarten teacher. There, he helped build a playground, set up and take down her classroom every year, as well as knocking out a wall or two when the school needed more space. Survivors include wife, Marie; sons Mark (Grace) of Newnan and Michael (Mary) of Lawrenceville; and daughter, Bridget (Rich) of Virginia Beach, VA; Grandchildren Paul, Rachel, Matthew, Mason, Jonathan, Megan, Gordon, Louis, Danie, and Conrad. As well as many nieces, nephews, and friends. Visitation will be held Tuesday, October 8, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. at McKoon Funeral Home, 38 Jackson St., Newnan, GA 30263. Gordon's Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, October 19, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Trinity Church, 8817 Highway 54 W Sharpsburg, GA 30277, with Rev. Mark Anthony officiating. Burial will be at a later date at the Georgia National Military Cemetery in Canton, GA. Condolences can be expressed online at www.mckoon.com The family requests that, in lieu of flowers, please consider donating towards scholarships at Trinity Christian School, where Marie and Gordon served so faithfully. You can use this link: https://tcslions.org/giving - Click on "I would like to dedicate this gift in honor/memory of:" and enter Gordon Mathias - Use the scroll-down menu to select "Scholarship Fund" - follow the prompts. Each gift is restricted and used specifically as directed by the donor For questions, Contact Ashley De La Cruz McKoon Funeral Home & Crematory (770) 253-4580

Gordon "Matt" William Mathias

November 4, 1930 - October 5, 2024