Paul Robert "Bob" Orr

Paul Robert “Bob” Orr started on an unknown adventure July 23, 2022. He was born in 1937 in Burlington, IA, the son of Paul & Dorothy (Pilling) Orr.  He is survived by Judi, his wife of 61 years, son Rob Orr of St. Louis, MO, son Jeff Orr of Los Angeles Co., CA, grandsons Cameron and Dyton Orr of CA, son-in-law Larry O’Donnell of WI, grandsons, Derrick (Sara), Brandon, and Ryan O’Donnell of Dane Co., WI (all three were WI state championship swimmers), and three great grandchildren, Kennedy, Tess, and Leo O’Donnell, one sister, Marlene (Robert) Beckman of Mediapolis, IA, and many cousins. He was predeceased by his daughter, Angela LeAnne (Orr) O’Donnell, brothers, Charles Russell “Rusty” Orr, and Harold James “Jim” Orr.

Bob graduated from Mediapolis in 1955 where he played basketball, football, and ran track, and from Iowa State University in 1959. Upon graduation, he entered the U.S. Army and was assigned to Ft. Bliss, TX where he graduated from the Nike Ajax and Nike Hercules missile school, then for a short time as the assistant Officer’s Club Secretary. He then earned his wings as a fixed wing pilot at Ft. Rucker, AL, and rotary wing aviator at Camp Walters, TX.

After three years of service, he was employed by Raid Quarries. There he found his love for the aggregate business. Over the years, he was involved in aggregate operations in SE Iowa, Central and Northwest MO, and Western and Central IL. Upon selling his aggregate businesses, he and his family owned and operated the Restaurant at the Depot in Lincoln IL and several other properties, including the remodeling of a 1913 Baptist Church by his wife which was featured on HGTV. In general, he enjoyed his life, and while this wasn’t his idea, he is looking forward to new adventures.

There will be no funeral, and he will be interred at Kossuth Cemetery, Mediapolis. Honorary pallbearers include Rusty Orr, Jim Orr, Gary Senf, Bill Belknap, Ramon “Pee Wee” Craft, Howard Keitzer, Ray Robertson, and Bill Bruner.

Bob was interested in genealogy and spent hours researching his and Judi’s ancestors. The Orrs were Vikings from Scotland & Ireland along with Swiss, English, Welch, and Swedish genes. His main tree consisted of over 100,000 individuals, and he developed around 50 trees. He and his fellow researchers were able to break down brick walls, prove and disprove legends.

There will be a celebration of life at a future date where you will get to meet our children, grandchildren, and great children.

Memorial donations may be given to the Mediapolis Jr. Farmers, Mediapolis High School Band, Des Moines Co. Genealogy Society, Angie O’Donnell Scholarship Fund, or to the Tess O’Donnell trust fund.  The Snyder & Hollenbaugh Funeral and Cremation Services of Mediapolis is caring for the family.  Online condolences can be left at www.sandhfuneralservice.com.  

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