Samuel Leon Orem, 100 years old, of Russiaville, passed away Thursday September 18, 2025, at his home. He was born in Russiaville, IN, on January 9, 1925, the son of the late Charles Roy and Faye Verena (Merrick) Orem. On June 29, 1947, he married Julia Ann (Rodkey) Orem, and she preceded him in death on March 27, 2022.
Leon was a 1943 graduate of Forest High School. He proudly served our country in the United States Army and was a member of the 17th Air Borne and 194th Glider Infantry Regiment. He worked at the Russiaville Post Office for 18 years until his retirement in 1987. Leon was a lifetime farmer in Howard and Clinton counties and at one time he and his father-in-law were the largest producing hog farmers in the area in the 1950’s and 1960’s. He was the last sibling of 11 siblings in the Orem Legacy. Leon was a loving and devoted husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. He was a lifetime member of Union Baptist Church in Forest where he served as a Deacon. He assisted in rebuilding the church after it was destroyed by the Palm Sunday tornado in 1965. His favorite hobbies were tinkering, mowing the lawn, and socializing with his Burlington Coffee Club members.
He is survived by his children, Ray Rodkey Orem, Kay (Mark) Trenary; grandson, Ronnie (Stephanie) Orem; granddaughter, Cheryl (Kevin Ridenour) Orem; great-grandchildren, Justin Byrd, Austin Orem, Hailey Orem, Gavin Ridenour; and several nieces and nephews.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife; son, Dudley Jay Orem; siblings, Dwight Orem, Joe Orem, Vivian Karr, Kenneth Orem, Ralph “Shorty Orem”, Ruth Tucker, Mary Juanita Sheffer, Donald Dale Orem, Merle Orem, Joyce Adams; and several nieces and nephews.
Leon’s family would like to extend a special thank you to his nephew David Orem, Dr. Jennifer Sylvester, Dr. John Salter, Elevate Senior Services, and Guardian Angel Hospice and all their nurses for the excellent care they provided to him.
A graveside service celebrating Leon’s life will begin 10:30 am Saturday September 27, 2025, at New London Cemetery, 2104 S. County Rd. 766 W., Russiaville, IN 46979. The officiant will be Teddy Wayne Orem and Pastor Larry Harrison. Military honors will be provided by the United States Army and Kokomo VFW Military Rites Team. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Leon’s memory to Union Baptist Church. Stout & Son Funeral Home – Russiaville Chapel has been entrusted with arrangements. Messages of condolence may be left online at www.stoutandson.com.
