John Martin Matthes

John Martin Matthes was born on February 16, 1955, in Mansfield, Ohio, and graduated from Madison High School in 1973. He was a devoted Christian man who went to meet his Lord and Savior on March 16, 2024, after a brief illness.

John was such a hard worker. He started his selling career by selling greeting cards at 7 years of age and continued his entire life until he and his wife, Sandy, owned both Johnny’s Mattress and Furniture Stores, Johnny’s Motorcars, over 100 Store & Lock Its and his “Living the Dream” Car Museum.  He loved older people and things in life from a young age.  He enjoyed family first, getting together with friends and the thrill of the hunt of cars, nostalgic collectibles, and Mansfield memorabilia. 

He had a very giving heart and enjoyed sharing both his time and resources for: The Domestic Violence Shelter, where he started “The Great Sleep-outs”, raising significant funds, Altrusa Club, Richland Pregnancy Services, The New Store, The Salvation Army, Boys Town and everyone who he saw had a need.  He sat on the board at The Renaissance Theater and at The MAC (Mansfield Alliance Church).  He also served on the Resurrection Breakfast Committee. John and Sandy were directors of the Miss Ashland scholarship program and the former Ashland Junior Miss program. 

He is survived by his loving wife of almost 49 years, Sandy Matthes; his mother, Jean Bright; brothers, Jim (Ramona) Matthes, Steve (Dawn) Bright, and Curtiss (Jennifer) Bush; his favorite sister, Laurie Simmons; his aunt, Ellie Hamilton; numerous extended family members; his beloved in-laws; his three special little girls, Savvy, Clarabelle, and Bea; and his special friend, Attorney John Allen.

John was preceded in death by his father, Jud Matthes; stepfather, Philip Bright; and two special friends, Fran Schmitz and Dave Paone.

Calling hours will be from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. Friday, March 22, 2024, at MAC-Mansfield Alliance Church, 291 West Cook Road, Mansfield.  Funeral services will follow at 11:00 a.m. at the church, with Dr. Steven Burggraf officiating. Burial will be in Mansfield Cemetery.

Werner-Gompf Funeral Services, ltd., 1106 Park Avenue East, Mansfield, is handling the arrangements.

In lieu of flowers, please support your choice of his favorite organizations: The Domestic Violence Shelter of Richland County (thedvshelter.com), Altrusa Club District 5 (districtfive.altrusa.org/Mansfield), Richland Pregnancy Services (richlandpregnancy,com), or Boys Town (boystown.org/give).

The family would appreciate your words of condolences and special memories you have of John on the tribute wall at www.wernergompf.com

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