Paul E. Mathias, 88, died October 21, 2020, at his home. He was born December 31, 1931, in Nickerson, to Harvey Merle and Lola Gertrude (Toms) Mathias.
Paul served in the United States Army and Army Reserves from 1952-1960. He retired from Morton Salt, after 26 years of service. Paul enjoyed ‘Young at Hearts’ at the Delos V. Smith Senior Citizens Center, and was grateful to take part in one of the Honor Flights to Washington, D.C. In addition, Paul enjoyed spending time with family, whether it was camping, flipping houses, or helping Ellen with housework. He was a member of First Church of God, Hutchinson.
On December 7, 1952, he married Ellen Fager in Pratt. They shared almost 68 years of marriage.
Paul is survived by wife, Ellen of Hutchinson; children, Rick Mathias (Janet) of Syracuse, Randy Mathias (Annette) of Partridge, Rhonda Knapp (Johnnie) of Buhler, and Rex Mathias (Michelle) of Hutchinson; 10 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sisters-in-law, Carol Mathias, Jan Mathias, and Elna Fager; brother-in-law, Ted Fager (Karen); and numerous extended family members.
He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Leon, Glenn, and Willard Mathias; and sister, Dorothy Gregg.
Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Monday, October 26, 2020, at First Church of God, 704 N. Jefferson, Hutchinson, with Pastor Tim Kraft officiating. Burial will follow in Fairlawn Burial Park, Hutchinson, with military honors conducted by the Fort Riley Honor Guard. Friends may call from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Saturday and 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Sunday at Elliott Mortuary. The family will greet friends from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Sunday at the church.
The church will livestream Paul’s service on their Facebook page.
Individuals will need to have a Facebook page in order to login to the service. Paul’s service will be available beginning Tuesday, on his obituary located on Elliott Mortuary’s website.
There will be overflow seating available at the church. Masks will be required for both the visitation and the service.
Memorials may be made to First Church of God or Hospice of Reno County, in care of Elliott Mortuary, 1219 N. Main, Hutchinson, KS 67501.