Wendell E. Fleming, 74
Orrville – Wendell E. Fleming, age 74, of Orrville, passed away peacefully at his home on Saturday, May 3, 2025, following a period of declining health.
Born on September 27, 1950, in Wooster, Ohio, Wendell was the son of Charles and Edna (Curie) Fleming. He graduated from Orrville High School in 1969 and proudly served his country as a Specialist 4 in the United States Army during the Vietnam War. On June 30, 1973, he married Ellen M. Davis in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She survives.
Wendell had a lifelong passion for work and innovation. He began his career as an animal nutritionist with Moorman Feed in Wooster and later held various sales positions throughout the years. Most recently, he operated the Route 57 Flea Market in Orrville, which he ran for eight years before retiring in 2015.
A dedicated member of the Orrville American Legion and the Orrville V.F.W., Wendell served as the current Vice-Commandant of the V.F.W. He took great pride in his community and his fellow veterans.
Creative and resourceful by nature, Wendell enjoyed crafting art and jewelry from recycled materials. He was a true tinkerer and inventor, always finding ways to repair or reimagine items to give them new life.
In addition to his beloved wife Ellen, Wendell is survived by his two daughters, Katie (James W.) Keplar of Orrville and Andrea (Jaedon) Sell of Dublin; his cherished grandson, Rhyse W. Keplar of Orrville; four sisters, Linda Winchell of Wooster, Mary Weeman of Orrville, Janice Mowrer of Smithton, PA, and Cheryl Fleming of Madison, AL; and one brother, Mark (Sandy) Fleming of Orrville.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, Charles D. Fleming, Jr.
Military honors will be rendered at a later date at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, Seville, Ohio.
Memorial contributions in Wendell’s name may be made to VFW Post 3446, 430 West Market Street, Orrville, OH 44667.
Auble Funeral Home in Orrville is assisting the family with arrangements. Online condolences and the guest registry are available at www.aublefuneralhome.com. Return to the website for updates on service date and time.
