Harold E. Orr
Harold E. Orr, 94, of Vienna, died Thursday, March 29, 2018, at 2:30 p.m. at Union County Hospital in Anna.
He was born on Jan. 30, 1924, in the Reynoldsville community in Union County. He was the third child and youngest son of John and Jesse McCloud Orr.
He married Vivian Fowler. To this union, two sons, John and Robert, were born. On Jan. 15, 1955, he married Rose Mary (nee Hunt) Crain at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by his sons, John E. (Carole) Orr of Star, Idaho, and Robert L. (Mary) Orr of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; three stepchildren, Michael E. Crain and Larry J. Crain, both of Vienna, and Patricia L. (Steve) Crain-Stroud of Raleigh, N. C.; eight grandchildren, John G. Orr, Robin Anders, Granger Roseberry, Michaeline A. Schuetz, Katrina Orr, Chadd Harbaugh, Travis Crain and Blake Crain; and several great-grandchildren.
In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by two brothers, Carl Orr and Albert Orr, and a sister, Evelyn Livesay.
He attended the Big Barn Grade School near Ware, and was a graduate of the Wolf Lake High School. Following his high school graduation, he worked briefly for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis prior to his military enlistment. He served in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II as a fighter pilot on the carrier Makin Island. During the Korean Conflict, he was recalled into service and served in the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged on April 16, 1954, having attained the rank of lieutenant. He was a member of Beggs-Gurley VFW Post No. 5222 in Vienna.
He had a love of the land and was a lifelong farmer in Union County. He raised row crops in the Ware Bottoms and did cattle farming in the Mt. Pleasant Community.
He had a passion for flying from the days he flew Corsairs during his military service and for many years afterward as a private aircraft pilot. He and Rose Mary flew all over the United States together. He also enjoyed the camaraderie and staying in contact with his flying buddies from Flight 4312.
He was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed spending quiet time reading. He particularly enjoyed western novels.
A memorial service honoring the life of Harold Orr was held Wednesday, April 4, at 1 p.m. at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. The Rev. Dr. Joe Richard and Pastor Bill Littrell officiated. Military honors were accorded by Beggs-Gurley VFW Post No. 5222 and the U.S. Navy burial honors detail.
Interment will be at a later date in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery.
Memorials can be made to the Illinois Veterans Home of Anna (employee benefit), 792 N. Main St., Anna, Ill. 62906.
To share a memory or to leave an online message of condolence for his family, visit www.baileyfh.com.
Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna is in charge of arrangements.