Chester “Chet” A. Orrel, 79, of Princeton and formerly of West Salem, IL passed away on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at his home in Princeton.  

He was born on April 2, 1936 in West Salem, IL to the late Franklin and Carrie (Liddle) Orrel.

He joined Norfolk Southern Railroad when he was 18 years old and enjoyed 41 years building friendships among his railroad family before retiring. Chet also farmed, worked at the Gibson County Surveyor’s Office for 10 years and also worked for Jim Dillon Excavating. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, water sports and coaching baseball. He was an avid Indiana University Basketball and Cardinal Baseball fan.

He is survived by his wife of 62 years, Bernesha “Bernie” Orrel of Princeton; son, Craig Steven Orrel of Princeton; daughter, Lisa Suzanne (Keith) Wehrheim of Mooresville, NC; grandsons, KJ (Andrea) Dejarnett and Bradley Dejarnett; granddaughters, Jamie Powers, Jennifer (Chris) Burns and Danielle (Chris) Clark; 12 great grandchildren, Hunter, Audrie, Luke, Skyler, James, Jaxson, Savannah, Bristol, Brailyn, Lilyana, Brookelynn, Emma and lucky “13” on the way; sister, Laura Mae Johnson; and a brother, Tom Orrel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; son, John Bradley Orrel; great grandson, Jacob Powers; sisters, Margaret Anna Turner, Sylvia Jean Schwenke and Carol Jane Tomblinson; brother, John Robert Orrel.

Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 20, 2016 at the Colvin Funeral Home in Princeton, officiated by Rev. Jarmon Perkins. 

Visitation will be from 12 noon until 2 p.m. on Saturday at the funeral home.