Obituary for Ralph E. Orr
Ralph E. Orr, 89, Olathe, KS, joined his beloved wife in Heaven on November 6th, 2020. Ralph was with his family at the time of his passing. Visitation 10:00 am Thur., Nov. 12, 2020; Funeral service 11:00 am all at Bruce Funeral Home, 106 S. Center, Gardner, KS (913) 856-7111. Burial with military honors follows at Gardner Cemetery, Gardner, KS. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Heart Association. Condolences may be left at www.brucefuneralhome.com
Ralph was born in Bigelow, KS, on May 23, 1931. As a premature baby in that era Ralph spent his first few months nestled in blankets and slept in a dresser drawer to create that cozy feeling. He was a graduate of Marysville, KS High School and came to the Kansas City area in 1956 with his wife to attend Central Technical Institute and graduated in 1958. Following graduation Ralph accepted a position with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and after four years transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration in Olathe, KS working there until retirement in 1988. After a few years of retirement Ralph returned to the work force with many of his past co-workers from FAA and they continued to work contract jobs for FAA sites. Ralph still had a name badge for work at age 75+. Ralph was proud to serve in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a Sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division. He met the love of his life on a “blind date” and married Lila Lee Else in 1954. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Gardner, KS. Ralph’s passion was to help others, especially family and close neighbors. There was not a Sear’s Craftsman tool that was not owned by Ralph. A man of many skills he was always there ready for a project. Ralph loved a good cup of coffee with friends and nothing was better than a wonderful buffet dinner with his family. Ralph served as a Deacon along with his wife at the First Presbyterian Church. Ralph enjoyed great walks in the neighborhood and still was mowing his own yard until the age of 86.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Ernest Orr, and Katherine F. Williams Orr; his wife, Lila, in July of 2018; two brothers: William T. Orr and Charles Earnest Orr Jr. and a sister, Lola Mae Orr Johnson all of Marysville, KS. Ralph is survived by his only daughter, Cheryl L. Orr Fromong, and son-in-law, Robert Fromong of Olathe, KS and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you to his caregivers at Sunrise of Overland Park, KS who have supported him as his “family” during this unique year of 2020. Also, special appreciation to friends who visited Ralph and sent endless cards and letters during his Sunrise stay.
Ralph was born in Bigelow, KS, on May 23, 1931. As a premature baby in that era Ralph spent his first few months nestled in blankets and slept in a dresser drawer to create that cozy feeling. He was a graduate of Marysville, KS High School and came to the Kansas City area in 1956 with his wife to attend Central Technical Institute and graduated in 1958. Following graduation Ralph accepted a position with the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission and after four years transferred to the Federal Aviation Administration in Olathe, KS working there until retirement in 1988. After a few years of retirement Ralph returned to the work force with many of his past co-workers from FAA and they continued to work contract jobs for FAA sites. Ralph still had a name badge for work at age 75+. Ralph was proud to serve in the U.S. Army and was a Korean War Veteran. He was a Sergeant in the 25th Infantry Division. He met the love of his life on a “blind date” and married Lila Lee Else in 1954. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church, Gardner, KS. Ralph’s passion was to help others, especially family and close neighbors. There was not a Sear’s Craftsman tool that was not owned by Ralph. A man of many skills he was always there ready for a project. Ralph loved a good cup of coffee with friends and nothing was better than a wonderful buffet dinner with his family. Ralph served as a Deacon along with his wife at the First Presbyterian Church. Ralph enjoyed great walks in the neighborhood and still was mowing his own yard until the age of 86.
He was proceeded in death by his parents, Charles Ernest Orr, and Katherine F. Williams Orr; his wife, Lila, in July of 2018; two brothers: William T. Orr and Charles Earnest Orr Jr. and a sister, Lola Mae Orr Johnson all of Marysville, KS. Ralph is survived by his only daughter, Cheryl L. Orr Fromong, and son-in-law, Robert Fromong of Olathe, KS and many nieces and nephews.
Thank you to his caregivers at Sunrise of Overland Park, KS who have supported him as his “family” during this unique year of 2020. Also, special appreciation to friends who visited Ralph and sent endless cards and letters during his Sunrise stay.