Orvel W. Podell Jr.

Orvel W. Podell Jr., 89, of Winamac, passed away at 10:28 a.m. Friday, Nov. 30, at his residence. 

Orvel was born on May 12, 1929, in Denham, to the late Orvel W. Podell Sr. and Nellie L. (James) Podell. Orvel married Betty L. Kasten on Oct. 24, 1951, in North Judson at the Methodist Church. Betty survives.

Orvel was a retired farmer and rural mail carrier. He was a member of the Denham Baptist Church and served as a board member of the Pulaski County Farm Bureau. Orvel was also a member of the Gideons International and served as Jefferson Township Trustee. He also served as the chairman of the Pulaski County Election Board. Orvel was a lifelong Democrat. 

Orvel served in the U.S. Army during the Korean Conflict. He received a Quilt of Valor in June of 2018. 

He is survived by his wife Betty L. (Kasten) Podell of Winamac; daughters: Rhonda [Jim] Pierrou of Winamac, Karen [Melvin] Button of Winamac, and Laura [Keith] Heigl of Winamac; granddaughters: Angela [Charles] Bolen, Kayleen Button, Lizzie Button and Katy [Jake] Swider; grandsons: Brian Pierrou, Cody [Hannah] Pierrou, Thomas Button, David [Melissa] Heigl, Jeff [Cindy] Heigl, Joe [Amber] Heigl, Matt Heigl and Sam Heigl; 18 great-grandchildren; and sister Barbara [George] Stump of South Bend. 

He was preceded in death by his parents Orvel W. Podell Sr. and Nellie L. (James) Podell; grandson John Melvin Button; sister Vivian Podell; and brother Keith Podell. 

Visitation will be from 3-8 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 5, at Frain Mortuary in Winamac. Funeral services will be at 11 a.m., Thursday, Dec. 6, at Frain Mortuary with Rev. Lynda Hosek officiating. Burial will take place at Denham Cemetery in Denham. The VFW and American Legion will conduct military graveside services.

Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of the donor’s choice.

Online condolences may be offered in the guestbook at www.frainmortuary.com.

(Pulaski County Journal — Dec. 5, 2018)