Dale Windsor Mathias

Dale Windsor Mathias, 95 Educator, Polk County Schools Lakeland " Dale W. Mathias, 95, passed away Saturday, January 11, 2014 due to heart failure. Born in Manor, Pennsylvania in 1918, he would tell people ""his parents were from Pennsylvania and in the Iron and Steel business, his mother irons and his dad steals."" He graduated from Maryville College in Tennessee. After college he joined the Merchant Marines and was a war veteran, participating in the BATTLE OF THE BULGE. He moved to Orlando in 1949 and then to Lakeland in 1952. His career was divided between pharmaceutical sales and teaching life science. Traveling and meeting people around the world was his passion. Capetown, South Africa was his favorite spot, however, England was his 2nd home. He spent time with children coaching Little League baseball and promoting tennis. He was an avid bridge player, playing until he was 93 (he was a winner most of the time). Favorite hobbies included crossword puzzles, writing letters, and joking with friends at the YMCA, Fat Jacks and the bridge table. He is preceded in death by his wife, Ethel, parents, Helen Windsor and Thomas Jacob Mathias, sister, Jean Kimsey and is survived by his three children, Dale Mathias, Jr. (Sue), Judy Fortin (Sandy), Dean Mathias (Anne), five grandchildren, Michelle Simmers (Denny), Heather Fortin, Shannon Johnson (Mike), Helen Mathias, Jack Cole, and seven great grandchildren, Forrest, Ian, and Catherine Simmers, Dylan and Stella Johnson, June and Caroline Cole. The family plans to have a celebration of his life on February 8th, 2014, 2238 Brandon Rd. from 5-7pm. In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made to VISTE, 1232 E. Magnolia, 33801, Lakeland YMCA, 3620 Cleveland Heights Blvd., 33803, or Compassionate Care Hospice, 2525 Drane Field Rd., 33811.