Arliss Plaugher participated in 18 VOSH mission trips
Arliss Dale Plaugher, 84, died Dec. 27, 2019, at Lima Memorial Health System. He was born Jan. 15, 1935 in Lafayette to the late Odie and Dortha (Kettimon) Plaugher. On Oct. 26, 1956, he married Barbara Hall Plaugher who survives.
Arliss graduated from Harrod High School. He worked at various jobs including for the Allen County Farm Bureau, Contris Stockyards, had been a foreman at Bluffton Septic Company, Ex-Cello Corp., Warner-Swasey, Clark Equipment, was a heavy equipment operator and was a lifetime farmer. He later owned and operated Arliss D. Plaugher Builders from which he retired.
Arliss was a member of St. John's United Church of Christ in Bluffton and former member of the Harrod Christian Church. He was an active member of the Bluffton Lions Club and was a Melvin Jones Fellow. Arliss was a member of VOSH which he served on 18 missions including Central and South America, Eastern Europe and Haiti. He received the Jefferson Award for volunteer service.
Survivors also include two sons, Roger (Rosemary) Plaugher of Bluffton, Randall (Teresa) Plaugher of Wapakoneta; two daughters, Susan (Keith) Kaufman of Columbus, Ohio, Mary Plaugher of Stockton, California; seven grandchildren, Kyle Dray, Charlie (Billi) Dray, Samantha (Eric) Miller, Jacob Kaufman, Alex Kaufman, Sarah Plaugher, Michael Plaugher; five great-grandchildren; and four sisters, Harriet Hall of Lima, Katy Turner of Waynesfield, Janet (Russell) Young of Harrod and Luella DuVernay of Coeur d'Alene, Idaho.
Arliss was preceded in death by a brother, Karlton Plaugher.
A graveside service will begin at 9:30 a.m., Tuesday, Dec. 31, at Salem-Westminster Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday at 11 a.m. at St. John's United Church of Christ, Bluffton.
Visitation will be Monday from 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 p.m. at Chiles-Laman Funeral & Cremation Services in Bluffton.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. John's United Church of Christ.
Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.chiles-lamanfh.com.
Stories Posted This Week
Saturday, July 11, 2026
Friday, July 10, 2026
- Bluffton Sardines 3rd at WOAL swim meet after day 1
- Ada Icon headlines, July 10
- Orange Twp. receives ODOT request to close two US 30 intersections
- Find and update Bluffton Civic Organization contact information
- 12th Ride to Remember rolls through Bluffton July 11
- Rumpke trash and recycling guidelines for Bluffton, July 2026
- Beaverdam 4-H report for July 6
- Take a look at Blufftonicon.com/calendar (video)
- Newark Earthworks program on historical indigenous architecture, July 22
Thursday, July 9, 2026
- Ada Icon headlines, July 9
- Share the bridge
- Jeff Richards is new Bluffton Elementary principal
- Officer Dominic Francis Memorial Bike & Jeep Run, Aug. 8
- Sheriff seeks information in June 29 Meijer shooting investigation
- Down on the Farm celebration of America 250, July 19
- Enjoy this summer without doing damage
- Register now for July 23 Words and Wine event
- Village of Bluffton to serve BSC Community meal
Wednesday, July 8, 2026
- Allen County Auditor explanation of Ohio House Bill 186 Inflation Cap Credit
- Shoemaker sentenced to 27 years on child pornography charges
- St. John's UCC to host Bluffton bike swap
- Beaverdam Bunch reports: July 29 meeting
- July 28 speed puzzle competition at Bluffton Public Library
- Galley Book Group to meet at Bluffton Public Library
Tuesday, July 7, 2026
- Highway Patrol reports on July Fourth fatal crashes
- 2026 Porch Fest preview: Blanchard Creek Band, Conner Raines and AJ Knepper
- Take an RTA bus trip to Delphos on July 29
- Senior Center to host Route 66 Centennial trip
- Family-friendly Jurassic Adventure Escape Room, July 17 and 18
- Critters, Flitters, and Gallinippers: SCHS 2nd Saturday, July 11
- Register now for Bluffton Public Library's Read with a Dog