Frank Collen Orr Sr.
May 24, 1926 — February 13, 2014
Frank Collen Orr, Sr. went home to rest in God’s glory February 13, 2014 in his home. Surrounded by his family, he faced his battle with Multiple Myeloma with the same courage that sustained him throughout the 87 incredible years he impacted others on this earth.
Frank entered the world on May 24, 1926. Born and raised in Delaware County, he took over the family farm and raised his own children there. After retiring from the farm, he delivered for Option Care and founded Orr’s Lawn Service. Frank didn’t fully retire from mowing, spraying and fertilizing until this past October.
Whether farming or mowing, Frank found it difficult to settle for the status quo when it came to equipment. His mind would alter feeders, mowers, trailers, tractors; always making work more proficient. Frank had many of his later inventions and alterations featured in an issue of Farm Show magazine.
God gifted Frank with a beautiful distinctive singing voice. He sang often at his church, Golden Congregational near Ryan. He also took joy singing at weddings, comforting others at funerals, and singing at nursing homes. Frank copyrighted the lyrics to “Daddy’s Playing in the Band”, a song about his life and love for singing. Not many are able to sing at their own funeral… but Frank will do just that.
Frank is survived by the second true love of his life, Patricia. He also leaves behind eight children: Charlene (Steve) Fults; Carolyn (Gene) Fairchild; Dennis (Cindy) Orr; David (LaRonna) Orr; Frank (Leslie) Orr, Jr; Randy (Wendy) Van Fossen; Brad (Denise) Van Fossen; and Renneta (Mike) Kane. Grandpa lives on in the lives of 28 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, June Orr and Donna Welterlan.
Frank was preceded in death by the first love of his life, Marie and a son, Douglas… the only Orr boy able to meet him on Heaven’s beautiful shore. Other family members to precede him are his parents, Edmund and Edith; a sister, Emily Marolf; and his brother, Joseph.
Visitation will be from 2 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, February 16 at Murdoch Funeral Homes in Marion. A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, February 17 at Golden Congregational Church, 2959 190th Avenue, east of Ryan, officiated by Pastors Mary Taylor and Tim Pridegon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to either Golden Congregational Church or the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.
Frank entered the world on May 24, 1926. Born and raised in Delaware County, he took over the family farm and raised his own children there. After retiring from the farm, he delivered for Option Care and founded Orr’s Lawn Service. Frank didn’t fully retire from mowing, spraying and fertilizing until this past October.
Whether farming or mowing, Frank found it difficult to settle for the status quo when it came to equipment. His mind would alter feeders, mowers, trailers, tractors; always making work more proficient. Frank had many of his later inventions and alterations featured in an issue of Farm Show magazine.
God gifted Frank with a beautiful distinctive singing voice. He sang often at his church, Golden Congregational near Ryan. He also took joy singing at weddings, comforting others at funerals, and singing at nursing homes. Frank copyrighted the lyrics to “Daddy’s Playing in the Band”, a song about his life and love for singing. Not many are able to sing at their own funeral… but Frank will do just that.
Frank is survived by the second true love of his life, Patricia. He also leaves behind eight children: Charlene (Steve) Fults; Carolyn (Gene) Fairchild; Dennis (Cindy) Orr; David (LaRonna) Orr; Frank (Leslie) Orr, Jr; Randy (Wendy) Van Fossen; Brad (Denise) Van Fossen; and Renneta (Mike) Kane. Grandpa lives on in the lives of 28 grandchildren and 27 great grandchildren. He is also survived by two sisters, June Orr and Donna Welterlan.
Frank was preceded in death by the first love of his life, Marie and a son, Douglas… the only Orr boy able to meet him on Heaven’s beautiful shore. Other family members to precede him are his parents, Edmund and Edith; a sister, Emily Marolf; and his brother, Joseph.
Visitation will be from 2 pm to 7 pm on Sunday, February 16 at Murdoch Funeral Homes in Marion. A Celebration of Frank’s Life will be held at 10:30 am on Monday, February 17 at Golden Congregational Church, 2959 190th Avenue, east of Ryan, officiated by Pastors Mary Taylor and Tim Pridegon.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be directed to either Golden Congregational Church or the Dennis and Donna Oldorf Hospice House of Mercy in Hiawatha.
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