Richard Lee "Buck", "Dick" Orlea

Richard Lee “Buck”, “Dick” Orlea, 92, passed away on Saturday, October 31, 2026, at Fountain Springs Assisted Living, Covington, Indiana.

He was born on July 21, 1934, in Danville, Illinois, the son of Ernest E. Orlea and Melva Arilla (Hathaway) Orlea.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, thousands of immigrants, including a large population from Belgium, settled in Vermilion County to work in the underground coal mines. The Village of Belgium, Illinois, located immediately north of Westville, was incorporated by Belgian immigrant miners, where Orlea Street still exists today.

Richard graduated from Westville High School, Class of 1953. He was elected class president and excelled in football, basketball, and baseball, earning scholarships, but rather than pursue an athletic career, he chose to serve his country during the Korean War, signifying the importance of duty and honor. He enlisted for active duty on March 19, 1957, in Chicago, Illinois. Richard served at Fort Belvoir, Virginia; Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri; and in the U.S. Army Reserve (USAR). While serving, he earned the Good Conduct Medal and was promoted to the rank of Specialist.

Richard was united in marriage to Mildred Louise “Midge” (Watt) Orlea in Westville, Illinois, on February 20, 1960. They were married for 65 years.

Richard worked as a supervisor for Tee-Pak for over 30 years until retirement. He was acknowledged for improving equipment designs and implementing more efficient ways of execution.

Through his successful sign business and farming, he worked tirelessly to support and provide for his family.

He enjoyed gardening and raising animals, but one of his greatest passions was training and showing his Arabian horses.

Richard was a longtime member of the Second Church of Christ in Danville, Illinois. He and his wife faithfully volunteered for the Festival of Trees, Vacation Bible School, the Church Café, and numerous other activities. Richard was known for his many wonderful qualities. Fellow church members often chose to sit behind him so they could enjoy hearing him sing. He also loved to dance, bringing joy and energy to those around him.

He is preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Mildred Louise “Midge” (Watt) Orlea; sister, Shirley (Orlea) Supancic; a niece, Holly (Hussman) Skoglund; and brothers-in-law, William “Bill” Watt, Herman Louis Hussman Jr., and Duane Crippin.

He is survived and dearly missed by his children, Shane Orlea (Louise), Stacy Orlea, and Shawn Orlea (Crystal); grandchildren, Vaughan Orlea and Carson Orlea; a sister-in-law, Mary Etta "Mert" (Watt) Currie; and several nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, November 13, 2026, from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. EST/Indiana at Sunset Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Covington Chapel, 420 3rd Street, Covington, Indiana 47932. A memorial service will immediately follow the visitation. Inurnment will follow the service at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery in Danville, Illinois.