Gerald Orr

Our gentle and loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather and friend Gerald Orr left this earth and joined our mother on January 24, 2022.  He was blessed with 90 great years and many adventures along the way. On January 16,1932, the world welcomed Gerald Kelly Orr. He was born to William (Bill) and Grace Kelly Orr in Stockton, Kansas. He and his family later moved to nearby Woodston, Kansas where he and his three younger brothers would make their mark in the close-knit community. As is typical with young boys in Western Kansas, he filled his childhood with hunting, fishing, a bit of mischief  (we have been told) and spending time with his beloved grandparents. After graduating from Woodston Rural High School in 1950, he joined the United States Air Force and served as an instrument mechanic during the Korean War. Grandpa used to tell us he “worked hard to keep the B47’s flying.” His love of airplanes continued throughout his life.  While living in Craig, Colorado he earned his commercial and instrument pilot license and later owned his own plane. He would tell stories of flying over the snow-capped mountains.

In 1956, after his service in the Air Force, he returned to Western Kansas and began his college studies at Fort Hays State University. He was called away on yet another adventure and spent the summer of 1957 as a Forest Ranger at Glacier National Park. He returned to Kansas in November to marry his bride, the young Carol Jones, on November 29,1957. They were blessed to share 64 years together.  They returned to Hays, Kansas where Gerald finished his degree in Geology and Range Management while Carol taught school. Upon graduation, he accepted a job with the Bureau of Land Management, which moved his young family from Burns, Oregon, then Craig, Colorado and finally landed them in the Land of Enchantment: New Mexico. They would raise their three children in Roswell, New Mexico and grew to love that beautiful desert (although we do not think he ever truly embraced the taste of spicy foods.) His 30 plus years with the BLM came with many experiences, including fighting wildfires throughout the West and Alaska. He would also log many miles surveying public lands throughout the Southwest. During his employment with the BLM and throughout his life, Gerald made many lifelong friends. He and Carol greatly cherished those many friendships.   

Those who know Gerald knew his servant’s heart. He loved serving meals at the Community Kitchen in Roswell and later at Austin Street Shelter in Dallas. While living in Dallas, he would help his church, Ridgewood Park Methodist, with several outreaches and ministries. He truly loved to help feed those that needed just a little help. He also took joy in helping his children and grandchildren. He was quick to jump in the car and drive Grandma across the country to welcome a new baby, babysit grandchildren, move a family, or make/refinish furniture. The doll furniture he made for his granddaughters is now being enjoyed by his great- granddaughter. Grandpa was always available to help his family, friends, and anyone else who needed a hand.

Gerald is preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Carol Orr, and survived by his three children: Jenny (Lars) Stangebye of Montrose, Colorado, Kristin Santorelli of Barnegat, New Jersey, and John (Sara) of Dallas, Texas. He was blessed with nine grandchildren: Sarah Stangebye, Hannah (Richard) Stevenson, Sandra, Noah and Micah Stangebye, Maddy and Grace Santorelli, Grayson and Reid Orr. He was also able to welcome two great-grandchildren, Leif Hibler and Vivienne Stevenson. He is also survived by one brother, Altie Orr of Montrose, Colorado.  As his memory began to fade, Grandpa still enjoyed listening to music and eating dessert (especially a Crumble Cookie) with that mischievous twinkle in his eye.   We smile knowing that Grandpa and Grandma are once again reunited, dancing together and singing “Side by Side.”  

Until we meet again Dad and Grandpa, we will hold dear your words, “It’s Been A Good Life.”