BURLESON — Donald LeRoy Orr, 92, passed from this life on Saturday, July 5, 2014 Funeral: 6 p.m. Friday, July 11 2014 at First Baptist Church of Burleson. Interment: 2 p.m. Saturday, July 12, 2014 in Greenwood Baptist Church Cemetery in Midland. Visitation: 6 to 8 p.m. Thursday, July 10, 2014 at Mayfield Kiser Funeral Home. Donald would appreciate memorial donations in lieu of flowers to go to Seminario Bautista Teologico de Cali (Theological Baptist Seminary of Cali) or Primera Iglesia Bautista De Cali (First Baptist Church of Cali). Please make the donations to:First Baptist Church Burleson 317 Ellison Street Burleson, Texas 76028 Donald was born in Hot Springs, Arkansas and grew up primarily in Hot Springs with a short time period in Malvern, Arkansas. After graduating from High School in Hot Springs, he entered Ouachita Baptist University. He had been very interested in planes even as a young boy and had the opportunity to take flying lessons through the civilian pilot training program. When World War II broke out, he did not want to wait to be drafted, so he interrupted his education to volunteer for the US Army Air Corps, where he became a fighter pilot. He served his country staying three tours of duty in the China-Burma-India Theatre where he flew 200 missions, flying P-47s and P-38s and was assigned to the 60th Fighter Squadron in the 33rd Fighter Group. He was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross three times, the Air Medal five times and 3 Battle Stars. He transferred to the Retired Reserve with the rank of Major. As a result of his service in China he became an honorary Flying Tiger through an invitation by the 14th Air Force Association. After the war ended, he returned to Ouachita Baptist University and completed his BA in Church Music. Then he went to Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary in Fort Worth, Texas, and earned a Masters in Religious Education and a Masters in Music. While at the Seminary, he met the love of his life, Violet Rogers, who then became Violet Orr in 1947. Together they decided to take their love of music to the mission field, and became the first music missionaries ever appointed by the Southern Baptist Foreign Mission Board. After hearing a missionary speak about the need for help with a new seminary in Cali, Colombia, South America they knew God was calling them to serve there. They were there for 34 years, during which time they helped build the Seminario Bautista Teologico de Cali. They served in many capacities as the needs arose. Don was a professor, music minister, choir director, builder, treasurer, grounds keeper, as well as many others. He was also a wonderful husband and a father. Their first son Randy traveled with them to Colombia as a baby, two more sons, Rick and Roger were born there, and then a daughter Roxanna was born while on furlough in Fort Worth and returned with them to grow up in that beautiful country. Don earned a third degree while on furlough, this time a Masters in Spanish, from Texas Christian University. His desire was to be able to communicate better with his students. He grew to love many things about the Country of Colombia; the weather, the beautiful scenery, the food, the custom of siestas, but mostly the beautiful hearts of the people of Colombia. And the people there reciprocated that love. He retired to Midland Texas in 1985, but continued serving his Lord as a volunteer joining the Texas Baptist Men Retiree Builders, building churches and camps, working in Texas, Canada, New Mexico, Tennessee, and Japan. He also joined the Singing Men of Texas where he continued praising his Lord and Savior through music until he was 89. Don and Vi moved to Burleson Texas from Midland and joined First Baptist Church, where they served singing in the church choir and working in many other ministries. Don was preceded in death by his wife of 56 years, Violet Lee Rogers Orr. He is survived by a sister, MaryAnn Drinkwater and husband Bill of Little Rock, and a brother, Robert Orr and wife Linda of Hot Springs Village. Survivors: His legacy continues through his four children: Randall Lee Orr and wife Judy, Rick Don Orr and wife Donna, Roger King Orr, and Roxanna Nannette Orr Parker and husband Randy; as well as his eleven grandchildren and twelve great grandchildren. Not to mention the many nephews, nieces, cousins, and the many many lives that have been touched through his years of selfless service to his country and to his God.
34 Responses
I grew up with the Orrs and they were the founders of the Baptist Mission in Cali Colombia along with my parents Hoke and Wanda Smith. Although my father died when I was eight Uncle Don served as such a role model that I came to find our missionary circle as being the finest people on earth. And I realize although entropy will take anyone I believe that this advent is in God’s plan time and purpose. So although this loss marks the closing of a door and for all we know something truly rich to us surviving I feel honored to have known the Orrs.
I grew up with the Orrs and they were the founders of the Baptist Mission in Cali Colombia along with my parents Hoke and Wanda Smith. Although my father died when I was eight Uncle Don served as such a role model that I came to find our missionary circle as being the finest people on earth. And I realize although entropy will take anyone I believe that this advent is in God’s plan time and purpose. So although this loss marks the closing of a door and for all we know something truly rich to us surviving I feel honored to have known the Orrs.
Don and Vi Orr, with their children, brought Christian Witness into the cross cultural experiences of the North American Community in Cali, Colombia. Their mission lives on in the lives of all who were blessed by their ministry and friendship.
Dale Swall, Director
Colegio Bolivar
Don and Vi Orr, with their children, brought Christian Witness into the cross cultural experiences of the North American Community in Cali, Colombia. Their mission lives on in the lives of all who were blessed by their ministry and friendship.
Dale Swall, Director
Colegio Bolivar
My parents were taught by the Orrs and their influence and teachings got to me by them. I learned to love the beauty of music dedicated to God. I inherited his way of open hand, straight conducting the choir and orchestra.
I also had the chance to visit him two years ago and he showed me his second world war planes collection. I read his book. What a blessing he was in my life and to so many of us that had the wonderful opportunity of hearing about God, because of brave heroes like him, enough to abandon his home to live near us for so many years. His family should be proud about the indelible footprint he left in our hearts and for the history of Colombian baptist work. God bless all of his children also. We love you.
My parents were taught by the Orrs and their influence and teachings got to me by them. I learned to love the beauty of music dedicated to God. I inherited his way of open hand, straight conducting the choir and orchestra.
I also had the chance to visit him two years ago and he showed me his second world war planes collection. I read his book. What a blessing he was in my life and to so many of us that had the wonderful opportunity of hearing about God, because of brave heroes like him, enough to abandon his home to live near us for so many years. His family should be proud about the indelible footprint he left in our hearts and for the history of Colombian baptist work. God bless all of his children also. We love you.
Don and Violet were true pioneers in Southern Baptist missions. We owe so much to them for their loving sacrifice for the cause of Christ.
Don and Violet were true pioneers in Southern Baptist missions. We owe so much to them for their loving sacrifice for the cause of Christ.
Don and Vi Orr were such special people in my life, that even though I haven’t seen them in many, many years, I am sad. I learned so much about music and admired them as a teenager when I lived in Cali, Colombia where they were. I still listen to one of their cassettes regularly…such beautiful voices. My dad was the speaker at the time they decided to come to Colombia as missionaries and what a blessing they were to the Colombia team! Love and blessings on all of you, Dr. Orr’s family!!
Don and Vi Orr were such special people in my life, that even though I haven’t seen them in many, many years, I am sad. I learned so much about music and admired them as a teenager when I lived in Cali, Colombia where they were. I still listen to one of their cassettes regularly…such beautiful voices. My dad was the speaker at the time they decided to come to Colombia as missionaries and what a blessing they were to the Colombia team! Love and blessings on all of you, Dr. Orr’s family!!
I remember when we were all a big family in Cali, Colombia. I remember when “uncle” Don and “aunt” Vi used to come over and play Rook with my parents, Hoke and Wanda, while we kids played upstairs. I also remember when uncle Don gave me the look!
Uncle Don was a Rock of Gibraltar, unwavering in his faithful service to Christ, his wife Violet, and his 4 children Randy, Ricky, Roger and Roxanna. You guys are in my prayers.
Love, Lesesne
I remember when we were all a big family in Cali, Colombia. I remember when “uncle” Don and “aunt” Vi used to come over and play Rook with my parents, Hoke and Wanda, while we kids played upstairs. I also remember when uncle Don gave me the look!
Uncle Don was a Rock of Gibraltar, unwavering in his faithful service to Christ, his wife Violet, and his 4 children Randy, Ricky, Roger and Roxanna. You guys are in my prayers.
Love, Lesesne
mis recuerdos datan de mi primera infancia cuando los Orr llegaron a nuestra Primera Iglesia Bautista de Cali. Luego a través del tiempo tuve la oportunidad de compartir con el Dr Orr responsabilidades en el ministerio de las finanzas (tesorería de la PIB)y ser participe del coro de la Iglesia que el dirigio con mucha dedicación y amor. La disciplina de la intervención de coro cada domingo, dejo una huella imborrable, pero también todas las cantatas de navidad y semana santa. A mi edad extrano mucho aquellos tiempos que considero la época dorada del evangelio en Colombia y particularmente en mi iglesia (PIB). Mis condolencias a sus hijos a quienes conoci muy niños. Como alguien decía: El éxito de una persona humanamente se reconoce, pero su huella permanece por siempre en nuestros corazones.
mis recuerdos datan de mi primera infancia cuando los Orr llegaron a nuestra Primera Iglesia Bautista de Cali. Luego a través del tiempo tuve la oportunidad de compartir con el Dr Orr responsabilidades en el ministerio de las finanzas (tesorería de la PIB)y ser participe del coro de la Iglesia que el dirigio con mucha dedicación y amor. La disciplina de la intervención de coro cada domingo, dejo una huella imborrable, pero también todas las cantatas de navidad y semana santa. A mi edad extrano mucho aquellos tiempos que considero la época dorada del evangelio en Colombia y particularmente en mi iglesia (PIB). Mis condolencias a sus hijos a quienes conoci muy niños. Como alguien decía: El éxito de una persona humanamente se reconoce, pero su huella permanece por siempre en nuestros corazones.
I am blessed & honored to have met Don through the choir at FBC, Burleson. Don was a delight to be around. I enjoyed getting to know him better during our choir fellowships. I was in awe of his service to The Lord & his personal testimony. I admired Don and I am so grateful to have known him. His legacy will live on through his sons & Roxanna. What Godly parents to you. Thank you for sharing with us at your Dad’s service. God bless each of you & your families.
I am blessed & honored to have met Don through the choir at FBC, Burleson. Don was a delight to be around. I enjoyed getting to know him better during our choir fellowships. I was in awe of his service to The Lord & his personal testimony. I admired Don and I am so grateful to have known him. His legacy will live on through his sons & Roxanna. What Godly parents to you. Thank you for sharing with us at your Dad’s service. God bless each of you & your families.
Truly a strong man of conviction and faith who lived his life fully. In doing so, he accomplished so much more than most of us ever imagine. And now that faith is rewarded in an eternity close to his God. My sympathy to prayers for the surviving family. What a great role model you have lost.
Truly a strong man of conviction and faith who lived his life fully. In doing so, he accomplished so much more than most of us ever imagine. And now that faith is rewarded in an eternity close to his God. My sympathy to prayers for the surviving family. What a great role model you have lost.
Cuantos recuerdos gratos Familia Orr, supieron poner con su canto y ejemplo un nuevo canto en nuestras vidas, al saber de la partida del Señor Orr a los cielos queremos expresar nuestros agradecimientos por sus enseñanzas, amistad, dedicación, paciencia y amor que nos brindaron por tantos años. Les amamos y sabemos que cuando Dios nos llame a si presencia cantaremos juntos todas la melodías que llevamos en nuestras corazones. Reciban todo nuestro amor,un abrazo fraterno y muchas
Bendiciones!!!
Cuantos recuerdos gratos Familia Orr, supieron poner con su canto y ejemplo un nuevo canto en nuestras vidas, al saber de la partida del Señor Orr a los cielos queremos expresar nuestros agradecimientos por sus enseñanzas, amistad, dedicación, paciencia y amor que nos brindaron por tantos años. Les amamos y sabemos que cuando Dios nos llame a si presencia cantaremos juntos todas la melodías que llevamos en nuestras corazones. Reciban todo nuestro amor,un abrazo fraterno y muchas
Bendiciones!!!
Thank you so much for sharing your dad’s memory with those of us at the cemetery today. It is plain to see that those who knew your folks, loved them. Such dedicated servants of the Lord and good friends to all. We really missed them when they left our Greenwood community. They were a strong presence and were always lifting someone up and giving glory to God. We were fortunate to know them, thank you for sharing them with us.
Thank you so much for sharing your dad’s memory with those of us at the cemetery today. It is plain to see that those who knew your folks, loved them. Such dedicated servants of the Lord and good friends to all. We really missed them when they left our Greenwood community. They were a strong presence and were always lifting someone up and giving glory to God. We were fortunate to know them, thank you for sharing them with us.
I have such fond memories of your family when you lived in Midland (Greenwood). Lots of fun at Ray and Ann Frasier’s home. Your father and your family were such a blessing.
You are in our my thoughts and prayers.
Tracye Vaughan
I have such fond memories of your family when you lived in Midland (Greenwood). Lots of fun at Ray and Ann Frasier’s home. Your father and your family were such a blessing.
You are in our my thoughts and prayers.
Tracye Vaughan
Uncle Don was, to me, a “Larger than Life” Guy. Although I didn’t spend a lot of time with him growing up, I remember him leaning over me as he spoke. When I was younger, he was very tall. It was always great to hear Him and Vi sing together, and with Dad.
My “Wow” moment with Don was around 1972 when we were at the Public Pool in Midland. He swam underwater from end to end what seemed to be forever!
Don was always kind to me.
It’s wonderful that your Mom and Dad are singing together again in the presence of our Loving Creator.
Sympathy for all of the Orr Family.
It’s wonderful
Sympathy to all of the Orr Family.
Uncle Don was, to me, a “Larger than Life” Guy. Although I didn’t spend a lot of time with him growing up, I remember him leaning over me as he spoke. When I was younger, he was very tall. It was always great to hear Him and Vi sing together, and with Dad.
My “Wow” moment with Don was around 1972 when we were at the Public Pool in Midland. He swam underwater from end to end what seemed to be forever!
Don was always kind to me.
It’s wonderful that your Mom and Dad are singing together again in the presence of our Loving Creator.
Sympathy for all of the Orr Family.
It’s wonderful
Sympathy to all of the Orr Family.
Wonderful memories of the Orr Family and their welcoming of all those crazy teenagers into their home back in Midland in the 70’s. Your Dad, Mom and all of you touched many lives and God has blessed us to have had the honor of knowing all of you.
May God grant you His Peace and Comfort.
Wonderful memories of the Orr Family and their welcoming of all those crazy teenagers into their home back in Midland in the 70’s. Your Dad, Mom and all of you touched many lives and God has blessed us to have had the honor of knowing all of you.
May God grant you His Peace and Comfort.
El tiempo de partida de un ser querido es, obviamente, un tiempo de tristeza; pero cuando se trata de personas que han marcado una huella digna en el mundo, es también un tiempo de gratos recuerdos y bellas añoranzas, y cuántas de ellas vinieron a mi mento y cuántos sentimientos brotaron en mi corazón al volverlos a escuchar, como antaño. ¡Qué bendición fueron para mi vida! Que haya honra y gratitud para aquellos que tan bello ministerio realizaron entre nosotros.
El tiempo de partida de un ser querido es, obviamente, un tiempo de tristeza; pero cuando se trata de personas que han marcado una huella digna en el mundo, es también un tiempo de gratos recuerdos y bellas añoranzas, y cuántas de ellas vinieron a mi mento y cuántos sentimientos brotaron en mi corazón al volverlos a escuchar, como antaño. ¡Qué bendición fueron para mi vida! Que haya honra y gratitud para aquellos que tan bello ministerio realizaron entre nosotros.
Puedo decir que el hermano Orr,fue mi personaje inolvidable que conocí en 1952,siendo yo de 14 añOS.Tuve la bendición de formar parte del coro de la
Primera Iglesia Bautista de Cali.Tal fue la impression que dejó en mi vida que muchas veces,como pastor aquí en Maryland, lo menciono por su carac-ter,la calidad de su fidelidad a su llamamiento y por todo lo que aprendí de é.Mi simpatía a a todos sus hijos,en especial a Randall con quien compartí buenos momentos.
Puedo decir que el hermano Orr,fue mi personaje inolvidable que conocí en 1952,siendo yo de 14 añOS.Tuve la bendición de formar parte del coro de la
Primera Iglesia Bautista de Cali.Tal fue la impression que dejó en mi vida que muchas veces,como pastor aquí en Maryland, lo menciono por su carac-ter,la calidad de su fidelidad a su llamamiento y por todo lo que aprendí de é.Mi simpatía a a todos sus hijos,en especial a Randall con quien compartí buenos momentos.
solo me entero de la partida del profesor donald orr 10 meses después lo cual lamento pues estoy como docente hace 10 años aquí en SOACHA. Me enteré buscando por nombres por casualidad, digo que el ministerio de ellos es la mayor bendición en mi vida; el mejor aprendizaje que he tenido en todos mis estudios, el Seminario el lugar que toda persona debería ir, los mejores maestros que tuve en la vida. GRACIAS POR SIEMPRE. HENRY
solo me entero de la partida del profesor donald orr 10 meses después lo cual lamento pues estoy como docente hace 10 años aquí en SOACHA. Me enteré buscando por nombres por casualidad, digo que el ministerio de ellos es la mayor bendición en mi vida; el mejor aprendizaje que he tenido en todos mis estudios, el Seminario el lugar que toda persona debería ir, los mejores maestros que tuve en la vida. GRACIAS POR SIEMPRE. HENRY