Matthew Ben Gaeth (June 1, 1921 – June 2, 2002) was a member of the Ohio Senate from 1975 to 1998, representing the 1st District. Born in Oak Harbor, Ohio, and raised on a farm there, was the youngest of 13 children. After graduating from Bowling Green State University in 1943 with a bachelor's degree in business administration, Gaeth enlisted in the US Navy serving in both the Atlantic and Pacific during World War II and received the Purple Heart. After retiring from the Senate, Gaeth returned to Lima, Ohio for retirement. He died in 2002.