Orland D. Freewalt

Orland Dewain Freewalt, age 92, of rural Mendon, passed away on Friday, March 10, 2023, at Roselawn Manor in Spencerville.

He was born June 1, 1930, in Celina, to the late Edward and Nora (Smith) Freewalt.

Orland and Doris Washburn were married on December 31, 1950, and she survives in Mendon.  They recently celebrated their 72nd Wedding Anniversary.

Surviving are their three children: Larry (Cheryl) Freewalt of Ohio City, and Linda (Rick) Etgen and Edward K. Freewalt, of Mendon, five grandchildren: Jerry (Karen) Freewalt, Jason (Erika) Freewalt, Rachel Spencer, Darrell (Nancy) Etgen, and Shawn (Erika) Freewalt, and 18 great-grandchildren.  

Other survivors are a brother-in-law, Don (Helen) Washburn, and sister-in-law, Tillie Washburn, of St. Marys.

Orland was preceded in death by a granddaughter, April Etgen Buckler, great grandson, Joshua Etgen, brothers: Forest Freewalt and Denver (Martha) Freewalt, a sister, Mary Jean (Howard) Lauth. Also, his parents-in-law: Harley and Violet Washburn, and brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law: Mary (William) Houser, James Washburn, and Shirley (Donald) Clement.

A graduate of Spencerville High School, Orland served in the U.S. Army during the Korean War.  He was a member of the occupational force of Germany, where he guarded the Russian border.

Orland was a farmer, and had also worked at Ohio Deck in Spencerville, the Paper Mill in St. Marys, and retired from U.S. Metalcraft in Delphos.  

He was a life member of Spencerville VFW Post #6772, and had attended Pleasant Grove Baptist Church near Mendon.  

An avid outdoorsman, over the years Orland enjoyed fishing, hunting and trapping.  He also raised livestock, and put out a large garden, providing food for the family.    

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 AM on Wednesday, March 15, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home in Mendon, with Pastor Randy Christian officiating.

Burial will follow at Mendon Cemetery, with military honors by members of the Spencerville VFW.

Calling Hours are 2:00-4:00 and 6:00-8:00 PM, Tuesday, March 14, and one hour prior to services on Wednesday, at W.H. Dick & Sons-Hellwarth Funeral Home, Mendon.

Memorial Contributions may be made to the Mendon Union Fire Department, 103 Drake St., P.O. Box 38, Mendon 45862.

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