Chester Helfrich Lutes, 87, died March 30, 2000 at Parkview Haven, Francesville, Ind. He was a life long resident of Monon. He spent 8 years of retirement with his wife, Nondis, in Tucson, Arizona.

He graduated with the Monon High School class of 1931, and was a life long member of the Monon Baptist Church.

He was born May 2, 1912, to Chester Arthur and Nellie Helfrich Lutes in Monon. He married Nondis Shaffer, June 8, 1931, at Francesville, Ind. They celebrated 61 years together before her death on April 4, 1992. He later married Betty Holiday Wright, Jan. 22, 1994, and she died May 6, 1999.

Chester and Nondis are survived by 7 children: Wanda Durham, Monon; LaVeme, Linden, Ind.; Fred (Jan), Mt. Prospect, IL.; Arthur (Eugenia), Holley, NY.; Lovilla Pardue, Shreveport, LA.; Darryl (Shirley), West Point, Ind.; Loren (Debbie), Fayetteville, PA.; 17 grandchildren, 4 step grandchildren, 24 great grandchildren, 12 step great grandchildren and 1 step great great grandchild.  He is survived by a sister, Ardath Owens of Monon.

He was preceded in death by two infant siblings, sisters, Iona Miles and Lucille Clouse, brother, Raymond, 3 son-in-laws, Dwight McLain, Duane Durham, Marvin Pardue and great grandchild Rebecca Pardue.

In his early years, he worked at the local A&P Store and ran a "huckster wagon" selling groceries and wares. He drove a school bus several years, transported and supervised summer corn detasslers, worked with his sons mowing cemeteries. During World War II he worked at the Kingsbury Ammunition Plant and returned there during the Korean War.  He worked for the Town of Monon and served on the Park Board, as well as working at the Monon Post Office. When his father retired, Chet took over his position of Railroad Express Agent and Newspaper Distributor. Many Monon youth had their first job delivering papers for him. He also drove a Star Mail Route to Francesville and Medaryville, twice daily. His love of gardening and Nondis' love of flowers led to the development of a greenhouse plant business which they operated for 17 years.

He was well known by many as an honest, hard working, friendly, caring family man. His subtle sense of humor was enjoyed by all who knew him.

Services were Monday at the Kellogg Funeral Home, Monon, with Rev. Jim Ketchen and Rev. Steve Birch officiating. Burial was in the Bedford Cemetery.

Memorials may be given to Monon First Response  or Parkview Haven Retirement Home.