Chester "Chet" Mathena

Chester Lee “Chet” Mathena, lovingly known by family and friends simply as “Chet,” passed away at his home on May 11, 2026, following a lengthy decline in health. A devoted husband, father, grandfather, educator, public servant, and friend, Chet lived a life defined by kindness, humility, faith, and unwavering love for those around him.

If you asked Chet how he was doing, his answer was almost always the same — “Super!” And that perfectly captured the spirit with which he lived his life. No matter the circumstances, he faced life with optimism, gratitude, and a warm heart that made everyone around him feel welcome and valued.

Perry County native Chet was born on October 27, 1938, and raised in Cannelton, Indiana. He was a proud 1957 graduate of Cannelton High School. Chet was especially proud to be the first person in his family to attend college, a milestone that reflected his determination and commitment to education. He continued his studies at Indiana State University, earning both his Bachelor’s and Master’s Degrees in Elementary Education. He dedicated much of his professional life to education, teaching generations of students throughout Perry County and Tell City-Troy Township schools. His passion for helping others learn and grow left a lasting impact on countless young lives.

After his years in education, Chet continued serving his community through his work with the Perry County Circuit Court as Community Service Director. Service to others was never simply a job to him — it was part of who he was.

Chet was deeply involved in his community and church throughout his life and served on too many organizations and boards to mention. He loved animals of all kinds, and his time serving on the Animal Shelter Board was especially meaningful to him. He valued hard work, honesty, family, and treating people with compassion and respect. Outside of work, he enjoyed reading, hunting, fishing, gardening, and attending shooting matches, which was one of his favorite pastimes. He especially loved spending time with those he cared about most.

Above all else, Chet loved his family wholeheartedly. He shared 65 beautiful years of marriage with the love of his life, Linda (Nash) Mathena. Together they built a family rooted in love, strength, and devotion. In retirement, one of their greatest joys was simply spending time together. Chet and Linda could often be seen around town enjoying lunch together at their favorite local spots, visiting with friends, and sharing the simple routines of a life built on love and companionship.

He is survived by his beloved wife, Linda Mathena; his children, Pam (Paul) Metz, Joe (Vicki) Mathena, and John Mathena; and his cherished grandchildren, Claudia and Codi Metz, and Madison, Nathan, and Dylan Mathena. He also leaves behind several nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends who will miss him greatly.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Joseph and Jesse (Burns) Mathena; his sisters, Lula Mae Stein, Joann Edwards, and Frances Nugent; and his nephew, John Wittman.

Funeral services will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Friday, May 15, 2026, at Crossroads Baptist Church in Tell City, Indiana, with burial to follow in Troy City Cemetery.

Visitation will be held from 3:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. on Thursday, May 14, 2026, and again from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. on Friday at Zoercher-Gillick Funeral Home.

Chet will be remembered for his gentle nature, steady presence, quick smile, and the enormous love he gave so freely. More than anything, he treasured his family. In these last months, nothing brought him more joy than seeing the people he loved most gathered around him. The legacy he leaves behind is not only in the lives he touched professionally or personally, but in the example he set every day — to love deeply, serve faithfully, cherish family above all else, and always try to see the good in life.

And if heaven has streets lined with gardens, fishing holes, old friends, family waiting nearby, and perhaps even a shooting range in the distance, there is no doubt Chet is there today answering every greeting the same way he always did:

“Super.”

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