Elmer B. Mathews

Elmer B. Mathews Sr., age 83, was born October 28, 1935 in Erie, PA the son of the late George and Elizabeth (Kennedy) Mathews Sr., passed away on Tuesday, December 11, 2018 at his home after a courageous fight with Parkinson’s disease and dementia. He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers: George Mathews Jr., William Mathews, Robert Mathews and James Mathews; sister: Nellie Mathews. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Annie (Bowes) Mathews of Elmira; beloved children: Elmer Mathews Jr. of Georgia; Debra (Earl) Schnautz of Elmira; Gerald Mathews of Georgia; David (Shelly) Mathews of Texas; Sue Galpin (Gerald Simmons) of Elmira; John Mathews of Elmira; brothers: Richard Mathews, Charles (Patricia) Mathews and Walter Mathews all of Pennsylvania; sisters: Alice Rankin, Georgiann (Harold) Pond and Leona Rifenburg all of Florida; Gladys Rice of Elmira, NY; along with several grandchildren, great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews. Elmer worked for 44 years as a sanitation worker. He retired in 1994 from Spiegels & Sons. Elmer enjoyed racing at the Chemung Speedrome and also drag racing his 1969 Super Bee Six Pack. He loved taking his grandchildren fishing and you could always find him hanging out with "the guys" at the old Billings Gas Station on Maple Ave. Family and friends are invited to gather at the Olthof Funeral Home on Saturday, December 15, 2018 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm. Funeral Services honoring his life will follow the visitation at 7 pm. Lay Pastor Eddie Francisco will officiate. Elmer will be laid to rest in the Fitzsimmons Cemetery on Sunday, December 16th at 11:30 am.