IN MEMORIAM: Robert Day Matheus, Seabury Western ’79

Robert Day “Rob” Matheus, Seabury Western Class of 1979, passed away on September 9, 2024 in Columbus, Ohio age 71,. Born on March 11,1953, in Pueblo, Colorado, Matheus was a beacon of kindness and a spiritual guide to many.

Matheus’s education journey began at Mt. Pleasant High School in Iowa, graduating in 1971. He furthered his studies at Coe College, obtaining a degree in Philosophy and Psychology. His academic path continued at Seabury Western, where he earned his Master’s of Divinity, following in the footsteps of his father and grandfather to become an Episcopal priest. Over the years, Matheus lovingly served parishes in Iowa, Ohio, and Kentucky, with his final service at St. Alban’s in Bexley, Ohio. His deep compassion and wisdom made him a beloved figure in his community.

Outside his ministerial duties, Matheus had a passion for cars but was particularly proud of his electric Cadillac Lyriq. His musical tastes ranged from the 60s to the 90s, with a special fondness for cool jazz. He showed his love for animals every year in The Village Roots Granville by blessing the animals. He enjoyed watching the latest new series on Netflix and he and Donna seldom missed an episode of Jeopardy during dinner hour. 

Matheus is survived by his wife of 21 years, Donna; his brother Rich Matheus and his wife, Lori, brother Randy Matheus and his wife Jan; nieces Allison Matheus and Kayla Matheus; great niece Reiley Rhoades; extended family member Dave Patten; and his special lifelong friend, Pierce Klemmt. He was preceded in death by his sister Bonnie Jean Matheus, and his parents Charlotte and Bob Matheus.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 575 Copeland Mill Road, 1A Westerville, Ohio, 43081 or to the Community Church of Lauderdale by the Sea, 4433 Bougainvilla Drive, Lauderdale by the Sea, Florida, in memory of Rob Matheus. 

A celebration will take place at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 2151 Dorset Road, Columbus Ohio, 43221, Monday, September 30. Visitation will begin at 10:00am and the service at 11:00am

From an announcement by the Diocese of Southern Ohio, September 16, 2024