Robert McGathey

Robert E. McGathey, Sr., 82, of Mansfield, died early Sunday morning, September 14, 2014 at his home, surrounded by his children. Born March 4, 1932, in Logan, Ohio, he was one of six boys of the late Thelma (Miller) and Pearl McGathey.

He was a veteran of the U.S. Army serving during the Korean War and a lifetime member of the AMVETS. Bob retired from General Motors as a tool and die maker after 30 years of service. He enjoyed gardening, bowling, fishing and reading. Bob was a down to earth, family man whose priority was in spending time with his family, and he especially enjoyed watching his grandchildren grow and have children of their own. He enjoyed traveling the world-an opportunity presented by helping his daughter with her children while she was in the military. His favorite place was Guam, because Bob said it "had the perfect weather and temperature".

He is survived by four children, Robert Eugene (Carolyn) McGathey, Jr. and Valorie (Steve) Toth, both of Mansfield, Brian (Joyanna) McGathey of Lexington and Mary Kay (Tracy) Eastman of Ansted, WV; fourteen grandchildren, Brandy Lynn McGathey, Robert Eugene McGathey III, Joseph Keith McGathey, Brian Keith Phillips, Kristine Toth, Steven Toth, Emily Toth, Heather Lux, Kandus Mekoleske, Michael Kissiar, Jennifer Kissiar, Amanda Snyder, Anthony Shepherd and Tabitha Shepherd; fifteen great-grandchildren, Austin Leonard, Madison McGathey, Monique McGathey, Alora Mekoleske, Ian McGathey, Makayle Lewis, Hayden Lewis, Carly Snyder, Alexis Lewis, Chase Snyder, Connor Shepherd, Kylie Shepherd, Kholey Foster, Kaitlyn Foster and Ryker Shepherd; three brothers, Donald McGathey of Logan, William (Barbara) McGathey and Kenneth (Jan) McGathey, both of Florida; and many numerous nieces and nephews.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Pearl McGathey, Jr. and Richard McGathey.

The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Friday, September 19, 2014 in the Diamond Street Home of Wappner Funeral Directors, 98 S. Diamond St., Mansfield. The funeral service will be in the funeral home Saturday at 10:30 a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Wounded Warrior Project.