CHAMPION, Ohio (MyValleyTributes) - Richard Merle Orr, 89, of Champion, Ohio passed away Thursday, June 20, 2024, at home.
He was born August 30, 1934, in Warren, Ohio the son of the late Lester and Ruby (Peterman) Orr. Richard married the former Joanne C. Bullach on August 1, 1959.
Richard graduated from Champion High School in 1952 and worked at his father’s coal yard and blacktop business. He was later employed at Packard Electric where he worked until enlisting in the Army.
Richard served from 1957-59, earning a “Good Conduct” medal and the rank of Specialist 5th class.
After serving his country, Richard returned to Warren where he continued at Packard Electric until its closure. Richard then became employed by Copperweld Steel Company where he worked until he retired 35 years later.
Richard was a dedicated Ohio State fan, and continued following the career of Randy Gradishar. Dad decorated his basement with Buckeye memorabilia and would regularly dress up for game day. He enjoyed watching Nascar, and followed the Blaney family.
He bowled and golfed with friends and organized breakfast gatherings for Copperweld retirees. He loved music, singing, doing Karaoke with family and interacting with his grandkids. Annual trips with family and friends to Canada and Lake Erie to fish and reconnect were enjoyable events for Dad. From the time he was young he played baseball (Champion Merchants) and later softball (Nobles Insurance). He was a player-manager, coach and umpire and players would share their respect for him as a coach.
Richard was recognized by his community in 2019 when he served as Grand Marshall for the Champion Memorial Day Parade. Humor was one of dad’s finest characteristics. He loved to make his family and friends laugh.
Richard was a member of the Champion Presbyterian Church.
Richard is survived by his wife of 64 years Joanne C. Orr, his children, Jeffrey Orr (Nancy), Kimberly Orr, Christine Orr (Sean); his grandchildren, Dustin and Conner Orr (Rebekah), Noah and Brendan Monahan, Isabella Weber, and Sydney Smith; sister, Marilyn Caples (Craig); sister-in-law, Georgia Wilthew, along with many nieces and nephews.
Richard was predeceased by his granddaughter, Savannah Smith.
Services will be held at 12:00 p.m. on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at the Champion Presbyterian Church. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service at the church.
Internment will be at Champion Township Cemetery.
Carl W. Hall Funeral Home is entrusted with the arrangements.
The family would like to extend a heartfelt thanks to Cornerstone Caregiving and Patriot Hospice Care and each of their caregivers for their compassionate daily care. Memorial contributions can be made to Alzheimer’s Association (<https://act.alz.org>) or the Champion Presbyterian Church.
A television tribute will air Monday, June 24 at the following approximate times: 6:47 a.m. on WYTV, 9:43 a.m. on WKBN, 10:58 a.m. on FOX and 8:12 p.m. on MyYTV. Video will be posted here the day of airing.