Chester Milo Pouder

Chester Milo Pouder, 98 and a half, entered heaven on Sunday morning, October 11, 2026, at 10:29 a.m., just in time for his first church service there, alongside the loved ones who had gone before him. He passed away at the EverHeart Hospice Care Center in Greenville, Ohio. Chester lived a beautiful, full life, making the most of every one of his 98 and a half years. He lived independently in his own home until a brief illness in the final week of his life.

A proud St. Patrick’s Day baby, Chester was born March 17, 1928, to J. Murray and Edith Pouder. In his early 20s, he met Phyllis Marlene Rhoades and married her on December 1, 1951. Together, they built a loving family and a legacy that continues through the generations. They shared 62 years of marriage before Phyllis’s passing on January 16, 2014.

Chester’s life was marked by hard work and faithful service. Over the years, he worked in farming, at Southside Elevator, and with Spradling Oil Company. He also supported his wife Phyllis in owning and operating the Christian Book Store in Union City, Indiana. He worked at the Union City Body Company for 18 years. After retiring, he immediately returned to work at Harvest Land, where he remained until his final retirement at the young age of 87. After retirement he continued to attend Body Company Reunion Lunches, Men’s for Mission Meetings and worked at the Men’s for Mission Lemonade Shake Up Stand, even up until a few months before his passing. Chester took great pride in his many years of work, and his family credits his active life and sense of purpose with helping him live so long and so well.

Faith was a constant throughout Chester’s life. He attended Hillgrove Federated Church nearly every Sunday of his 98 years. He enjoyed many years of dart ball league through the church. He served as secretary-treasurer of the Darke County Men’s Brotherhood for 35 years and as treasurer of Hillgrove Sunday School for 30 years.

Chester found joy in the everyday routines of life—mowing his lawn, sending birthday cards, visiting his friends at his local

Post Office and bank, and receiving his mail each day. He was a lifelong Cincinnati Reds fan, rarely missed watching them on tv.

Chester is survived by his children, Dennis M. Pouder of Union City, Ohio, Duane K. (Lynn) Pouder of Union City, Ohio, and Debbie S. Manning of Lawrenceburg, Indiana; five grandchildren, Matthew Voke, Kevin (Michelle) Voke, Shannon (Jason) Chappel, Jason (Tiffany) Pouder, and Jodi Barton; and 13 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Phyllis Marlene Pouder; his parents, J. Murray and Edith (Harmeson) Pouder as well 2 brothers and a sister; his infant son, Douglas Kent Pouder, who passed away in 1957; his son-in-law, Steve Manning; and his daughter-in-law, Lee Pouder.

The family will receive visitors on Friday, October 16, 2026 from 10:00 am to 12 noon at Reichard Funeral Home 400 W. Deerfield Road Union City, IN 47390.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Chester’s life will begin at 12 noon with burial to follow at Greenville Union Cemetery.

The family would like to express their deepest gratitude to the staff of the EverHeart Hospice Care Center at Wayne HealthCare for the unwavering love, compassion, and care they showed Chester during his final days.

In lieu of flowers or gifts the family asks that donations be made to Men for Missions PO Box A Greenwood, IN 46142 or EverHeart Hospice 1350 N. Broadway St., Greenville, OH 45331.

Memories may be expressed online at www.reichardfh.com.