Jon Oren Obituary

Jon Dee Oren, 88, of Simpsonville, South Carolina, passed away peacefully at home on June 6, 2025, after a brief illness. Jon was born on March 8, 1937, in Muncie, Indiana, to the late Shafer Austin Oren and Nancy Pearl (Morris) Oren. He was raised in Muncie on West Jackson Street, part of the original Shafer family homestead. Jon graduated from Burris Laboratory School in 1955, and earned a Bachelor of Science in Business from its affiliate, Ball State Teacher's College, in 1960. Jon was a devoted family man, steadfastly loyal to his wife of 65 years, Virginia Susan (Brachvogel) Oren, and their three children. He built successful small businesses in three states, including Oren Corp. in Muncie, US Maid in Sarasota, Florida, and Hummingbird Shutters in Greenville, South Carolina. Above all, Jon was a man of deep Christian faith, never wavering in his trust in the Lord, whether in good times or when life's travails seemed overwhelming. Jon studied the Word continually, but he also "prayed with his feet". Over a 50-year period, he served as a deacon or elder in five churches. He was a pioneer in the Christian-school movement both in Indiana and in the greater Midwest. Additionally, he piloted three Christian day schools, most notably helping to found Heritage Hall Christian School in Muncie. Jon taught his children the value of hard work, both by example and by employing them (at minimum wage, if their efforts merited such lofty pay!). Jon also displayed remarkable creativity when the occasion called for it, whether in devising innovative fundraising ideas for Heritage Hall, marketing custom plantation shutters, finishing out the basement as an octogenarian, or designing the perfect practical joke for an unsuspecting friendly victim. Jon is survived by his wife, Virginia Susan (Brachvogel) Oren; daughter, Cameron Oren Churdar; sons, Brandon (Kristin) Oren and Kipling (Kimberly) Oren; six grandchildren; one great-grandchild; numerous nieces and nephews; and many cherished friends, including lifelong companions Dick Shirley, Tom McVicker, Dick Rawson, and Jerry Williamson. He was preceded in death by his beloved grandsons, John Douglas Churdar and Peter Churdar. Because Jon was blessed with a long life, he was also predeceased by his parents; all of his aunts and uncles; his sisters, Rachel Oren and Alice Ruth Brady; brothers-in-law, Jack Sheridan Brady and Robert Dwight Wagar; and many dear friends, including Tom Warren, Michael W. C. Emerson, Jeff Stassen, Pastor Jay E. Adams, and Elaine McVicker. A funeral service will be held June 16, 2025 at 2:00 p.m., at Thomas McAfee Funeral Home, 639 North Main, Greenville, South Carolina. Visitation will be held prior to service from 1:00 p.m. until 1:45 p.m. Family and friends who are unable to attend the service can view the Live Stream by clicking on the "Watch Livestream" button located on the main obituary page. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Redeemer Presbyterian Church, P.O. Box 997, Woodruff, SC 29388. "I am the resurrection and the life, saith the Lord: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: and whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die." - St. John 11. 25, 26 Friends are encouraged to share their favorite memories of Jon with the family by clicking on the button labeled "Share A Memory".