John D. Ater, beloved minister, devoted husband, father, grandfather, and faithful servant of Christ, passed away at the age of 74 at Trinity West in Steubenville, OH, on Monday, July 13, 2026. He was surrounded by his family.

John was born on February 6, 1952, in Washington Court House, Ohio, to the late Margene and John D. Ater Sr. He graduated from Washington High School in 1970 and from Kentucky Christian College in 1974.

On March 17, 1974, John was ordained into the Christian ministry at South Side Church of Christ in Washington Court House, beginning a ministry that spanned more than 50 years. Throughout his years of service, he preached the Gospel at Pond Creek Church of Christ in Portsmouth, Ohio; First Church of Christ in Defiance, Ohio; Ayersville Church of Christ in Ayersville, Ohio; Waldron Church of Christ in Waldron, Michigan; Brilliant Christian Church in Brilliant, Ohio; and Dutch Fork Christian Church in Claysville, Pennsylvania.

John's ministry extended far beyond the pulpit. He devoted himself to mentoring young people as a houseparent at Woodburn Christian Children's Home in Woodburn, Indiana. He later served as camp dean at Lake James Christian Camp in Angola, Indiana, and Elkhorn Valley Christian Service Camp in Bergholz, Ohio. He also served as a chaplain for Trinity Health System for 20 years, offering comfort, compassion, and spiritual care to patients, families, and staff.

John dedicated his life to preaching God's Word and living out the faith he proclaimed. His life reflected the words of the Apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:7: "I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith."

As he faced health problems over the past several months, he continued to share his faith with the staff and fellow residents at the Sienna Skilled Nursing and Rehabilitation Center. He led prayer at breakfast groups and shared scripture at weekly bible studies.

John’s work continued far outside the pulpit by serving the communities where he lived. He participated in local governments as a Waldron town council member and later a poll worker during local and state elections in Ohio. He was also a former member of the Lions Club, a proud Blood Donor with over 2 gallons donated, and spent time as a newspaper writer.

While John was deeply committed to his calling as a minister, those who knew him best knew that his greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was his family. He treasured every moment spent with his children and grandchildren. He led his family by example, teaching them to love God, serve others, and live with integrity.

He is survived by his wife of 51 years, Diana (Clemens) Ater, whom he married on April 12, 1975; his four children, Jennifer (Brian) Powell of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, John David (Katie) Ater of Lexington, Kentucky, Jaime Lea Ater of Brilliant, Ohio, and Jill Lanette Ater of Brilliant, Ohio; his five grandchildren who called him “Pop", Michael O'Neill Powell, Emily Grace Powell, Layton John Ater, Grayden Ross Ater, and Adelynn Poppi Ater; along with many sisters, brothers, nieces, nephews, and cousins.

The family will receive friends and family from 10:00 am - 12:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026, at the Defiance Christian Church. A service will immediately follow at 12:00 pm with Greg Sickmiller officiating. Burial will follow at Riverside Cemetery in Defiance, Ohio.

Schaffer Funeral Home was honored to assist the family with services.

In lieu of flowers, the family is kindly asking for monetary donations to be made to the funeral home to assist with expenses.