Wilder Charles Mathena

Wilder Charles Mathena 93, of Dublin, Ohio peacefully left this world for a better one 7:30 a.m. February 14, 2015. He was born June 7, 1921 in Pike County, Ohio, the son of the late David Richard and Clara Viola Adams Mathena and brother of the late Clarence Hamilton Mathena.
On April 6, 1942 he married Flossie Leeth Mathena who also preceded him in death after 68 years of marriage.
Surviving are 1 sister, Mary Ellen Beckel of Marion, OH; 2 daughters, Linda Lea Burwell-Tuller (Terry) of Ellenton, FL and Kimberly Kay Skaggs of Dublin, OH; 2 granddaughters, Tina Swain (Chris) of Ellenton, FL and Angela Serafini (Sean) of Ossian, IN; one grandson, Jason Burwell (Joelle) of Galloway, OH; seven great grandchildren and four great great grandchildren; special friend, Ernest Tuller of Dublin, OH; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.
Wilder was a veteran of World War II. He was a Tech Sargent with the United States Army, 83rd Division, 331st Regiment, Third Battalion, "K" Company. He fought and was wounded in the "Battle of the Bulge" in Europe. He was preceded in death by many Army comrades that he still missed and talked about.
He was also proud of retiring, after 30 years, from the Columbus Zoo.
Funeral Services will be held 1 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015 at the SMITH-MOORE-EBRIGHT Funeral Home in Bainbridge, Ohio, with Pastor Matthew Brookes officiating. Burial will follow next to his beloved wife, Flossie, in the Gardener Cemetery of Morgantown, OH with a military service accorded by the Waverly Post 142 Honor Guard. The Mathena Family will receive family and friends from 11 am until the time of service Wednesday at the funeral home.