Dean M Matheney

Dean Merrill Matheney, age 80, of Venice, FL, formerly of Walbridge and Perrysburg, died peacefully with family at his side in Florida on March 7, 2016. He was born in Walbridge on March 7, 1936 to Harold and Christine (Cochran) Matheney. He married his love, for more than fifty years, Bettie (Hendrix), on April 11, 1959. As a youth, Dean was an excellent baseball pitcher. He threw several no-hitters for local teams and was scouted by major league clubs. A graduate of Lake High School, Dean subsequently earned his bachelor’s, master’s and specialist degrees from Bowling Green State University, where he was a proud member of the Sigma Chi fraternity. Dean was also deeply proud of his service to his nation. He was selected as the Regimental Commander of Army ROTC at BGSU before serving in the Army Adjutant General’s Corps. After leaving the military, Dean was employed with the Civil Service Commission of Toledo and then for more than 25 years, the Toledo Public Schools. With the school district, he served as Director of Non-Teaching Personnel and, in several different schools, assistant principal and interim principal. He had particularly fond memories of his many years of service to the children and families of Longfellow Elementary School. During his retirement, he was an avid reader, dedicated scholar of World War II and military history, and loyal supporter of the Ohio State Buckeyes. He also provided loving care for Bettie, who suffered from dementia during her final years. Dean is survived by his sons, Steve (Kendra) of Walbridge and Tim Matheney (Kendric Chua) of Philadelphia; grandchildren, Lauren (Nick) Hagedorn, and Erin and Evan Matheney; great grandson Aiden Hagedorn, and brother Denny (Kathy) Matheney. Cousin Mike Cochran and sisters-in-law Myrna (David) Bryan and Joanne (Denes) Cousino were also deeply appreciated by Dean. Family and friends will be received on Saturday, March 19, 2016 from 10:00 am.-1:00 pm. at the Witzler-Shank Funeral Home, 222 East South Boundary, Perrysburg, Ohio 43551 (419-874-3133) followed by a memorial service at 1:00 pm. Burial will follow in Lake Township Cemetery. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider the Hospice of Northwest Ohio or the Alzheimer’s Foundation.