Harold E. Orr

Harold E. Orr, age 94 years, a resident of Vienna, passed away Thursday afternoon, March 29, 2018, at 2:30 PM at Union County Hospital in Anna. Harold was born January 30, 1924 in the Reynoldsville community in Union County Illinois. He was the third child and youngest son of John and Jesse (McCloud) Orr. Harold was united in marriage to Vivian Fowler. To this union, 2 sons, John and Robert, were born. On January 15, 1955, Harold was united in marriage to Rose Mary (nee Hunt) Crain at the Vienna First United Methodist Church. She survives. In addition to his wife, Harold is survived by: his sons – John E. (Carole) Orr of Star, Idaho and Robert L. (Mary) Orr of Coeur d’Alene, Idaho; 3 step children – Michael E. Crain and Larry J. Crain both of Vienna and Patricia L. (Steve) Crain-Stroud of Raleigh, North Carolina; 8 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, Harold was preceded in death by 2 brothers – Carl Orr and Albert Orr and a sister – Evelyn Livesay. Harold attended the Big Barn Grade School near Ware, Illinois and was a graduate of the Wolf Lake High School. Following his high school graduation, Harold worked briefly for McDonnell Aircraft Corporation in St. Louis prior to his military enlistment. Harold served honorably in the U.S. Navy Air Corps during World War II as a pilot on the carrier “Makin Island.” During the Korean Conflict, Harold was recalled into service and served in the Mediterranean Sea. He was honorably discharged on April 16, 1954 having attained the rank of Lieutenant. Harold was a member of the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 in Vienna. Harold had a love of the land and was a lifelong farmer in Union County. He raised row crops in the Ware Bottoms as well as cattle farming in the Mt. Pleasant Community. Harold 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. Harold was of the Baptist faith. He enjoyed spending quiet time reading. Harold particularly enjoyed western novels. A memorial service honoring the life of Harold Orr will be held Wednesday, April 4, 2018, at 1 PM at Bailey Funeral Home in Vienna. Rev. Dr. Joe Richard and Pastor Bill Littrell will officiate. Military honors will be accorded by the Beggs-Gurley VFW Post # 5222 and the U.S. Navy burial honors detail. Interment will be at a later date in the Vienna Fraternal Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the Illinois Veterans Home of Anna (Employee Benefit), 792 North Main St., Anna, IL 62906.

Harold E. Orr

January 30, 1924 - March 29, 2018