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1945 - 2025
 Larry Dean Matiz, 80, of Wheelersburg, Ohio, passed peacefully on December 25, 2025, surrounded by his family on Christmas day, after a long battle with cancer and Alzheimer’s. Larry was born July 13, 1945, in Portsmouth, Ohio, where he lived with his wife, Marilyn, raised his family, and made a life for himself that he was proud of.
Larry is preceded in death by his parents Jack and Mildred Matiz, brother Randy Matiz, and loving in-laws Cecil and Alene Callihan.
Larry is survived by his wife of 53 years, Marilyn Matiz, two daughters Jennifer (Michael) Estep of Wheelersburg, Ohio, and Andrea (Stephen) Otis of Monkton, Maryland, five grandchildren, Bailee Estep, Rilee Estep, Ava Estep, Eli Otis and Emily Otis, and special family friends Lanie and Layla Dawes. He is also survived by his brother Phil Matiz of Portsmouth, and his sister Debby Schulze of Columbus. Larry is also survived by dozens of nieces and nephews, and many, many dear friends he considered like family.
Larry, a 1964 graduate of Portsmouth High School, volunteered to join the Navy during the Vietnam War, serving four years as a submariner, much of his time spent on several patrols on the USS Lewis and Clark SSBN 644. Larry’s time in the Navy and the relationships he built during that time helped him learn about who he was and set him on a path to building an incredibly fulfilled life.
After an honorable discharge at the end of his time in the Navy, Larry returned to Portsmouth and joined the electrician apprenticeship program, where he went on to be a member of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 575 for 37 years.
Caving was Larry’s passion. Every chance he had he would load up his gear and spend the day exploring caves with friends and family. He was a member and officer of the ESSO Grotto, a local caving group focused on the preservation of regional caves. Larry found his real purpose in life when he started volunteering to restore Mammoth Cave, where he dedicated his time for 30 years.
Larry was a long-time member of Central Church of Christ in Portsmouth.
Friends may call at the Harrison-Pyles Funeral Home, 11623 Gallia Pike, Wheelersburg, Ohio, Sunday, December 28 from 5-7pm and Monday from 10-11am, with a celebration of life and interment following at 11am.
In lieu of flowers, the family has requested that donations in Larry’s memory be made to either of the following charities:
Sierra’s Haven, where Larry rescued his beloved dog Daisy: www.sierrashaven.org/donate, 80 Easter Drive, Portsmouth Ohio, 45662
Hospice of SOMC, who helped make Larry’s passing peaceful at home with his family: www.somc.org/services/hospice/
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There are currently 14 condolences.
Helane Turner Horner
Tuesday January 13, 2026 at
9:09 AM
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Marilyn, I am so sorry for your loss. Larry was a good guy. As a friend of Debby, I knew Larry for many years. He used to drive us girls to high school. He was allowed to make a trip to Florida as a teenager and returned with a large box of a variety of fireworks that were not available in Ohio. He told me to choose whatever I wanted. His generosity impressed me. Later, when your family lived on Micklethwaite across from the house where my late mother lived, I visited, rekindled the friendship, and met the family. I enjoyed the character of your whole group. Again, I’m sad for your family. May time bless you all.
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Zita Robinson
Wednesday December 31, 2025 at
2:11 PM
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Andrea Otis so sorry to hear. Praying that the Peace of God will be with you and family. My family will be sending a donation to Hospice of SOMC at www.somc.org/services/hospice/ in memory of your dad. May the Peace of God be with you all.
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Connie Johnson
Monday December 29, 2025 at
5:27 AM
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Condolences to Marilyn and all Larry’s family. Thanks for posting all his beautiful pictures which showed how much joy was in his heart with all his family and especially with grandchildren. May Larry rest in peace.
Love and prayers
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Rick Olson
Sunday December 28, 2025 at
6:41 PM
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When I got this news, I just felt like lead inside and I could hear his friendly voice. At the Mammoth Cave Restoration Field Camp, he was a central pillar. You just inherently trusted him, and we all just loved him. I coordinated the field camps for many years as a park employee, but I looked up to him too, just like everyone else.
An enormous tree has fallen in the forest, and nothing will be the same. But we can treasure his memory and try to do as well in this world has he did. Rick Olson
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Pam Saberton
Saturday December 27, 2025 at
4:48 PM
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I am saddened by the news of Larry's passing. Larry was a person who not only walked the walk but also talked the talk. I will miss his stories and gentleness. RIP my friend, a donation to sierrahaven was made in Larry's memory.
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Sam McGowan
Saturday December 27, 2025 at
10:59 AM
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I am so sorry to learn of Larry's passing. We had been in touch and I knew he had some serious medical issues. I knew him through ESSO Grotto, of which he was one of the most active members. Condolences to the family.
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Jerry Easter
Friday December 26, 2025 at
10:51 PM
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This is Jerry D Easter we will all miss you prayers 🙏
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JD Moss
Friday December 26, 2025 at
6:53 PM
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Slick and I served together all the years he was on Lewis and Clark. He was a mentor, a friend and more importantly a really good man. He will be sorely missed. Rest your oars shipmate, we’ve got the watch. RIP Slick, you’ve earned it. And to the family, my deepest condolences and you are in my thoughts and prayers.
JD Moss TM1(SS)
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John Wegman
Friday December 26, 2025 at
5:48 PM
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Met Larry in 1968 when checking on board the SSBN644 Lewis & Clark where we spent 4 100 day patrols. Ended up living together for 2 years +, traveling back & forth to Ohio during off-crew periods. We were life long friends! Every journey of sorrow is unique and like the seashell, carries brokenness leaving a story of love to tell. "Sailor, rest your oar, we have the watch."
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Jim and Karen Otis
Friday December 26, 2025 at
5:39 PM
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Larry was a truly fine Christian. He was honest and cared tukvery much for his family and friends. We will miss him but he was so ill - and now he is free.
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Dennis Charlton, YN2(SS), USS Lewis and Clark SSBN644 Gold Jan67-Apr69
Friday December 26, 2025 at
4:21 PM
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Dear Marilyn, it is with great sadness to hear of Larry’s passing. He was a great shipmate and friend. Gabriela and I really enjoyed attending the Crewmember Associaton Reunions in Charleston with y’all. Thanks to “Slick” for finding me and getting me involved in the Association.
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Roger and Jill Swearingen
Friday December 26, 2025 at
4:12 PM
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Our condolences are with the family. Larry and Marilyn are dear friends of ours. Larry was one of a kind. Many memories together. Prayers for peace and comfort during this difficult time.
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Walter Maze
Friday December 26, 2025 at
3:07 PM
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Have known Larry since 10th grade at PHS,,,he will be missed.
God Bless
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Jeri Weaver Hughes
Friday December 26, 2025 at
1:38 PM
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Marilyn, Jennifer, and Andrea, I am so sorry to hear about Larry. He was such a fine man. I’ve thought of him often lately as I’ve heard about his illnesses. I’m sending prayers for all of you that you’ll find comfort in knowing he’s with the Lord.
Love,
Jeri
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