Joseph K. Orr

Joseph K. Orr, 91, of Tipton passed away on Monday, December 25, 2017 at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis after a brief illness.  He was born in Tipton on January 5, 1926 to Merrill E. & Ethel V. (Alexander) Orr.

A native of Tipton County, Joe graduated from General Motors Institute in Flint Michigan, with an engineering degree.  He worked for Delco Electronics for 34 years retiring in 1982 as Engineering Supervisor of the Tool and Design department.  Joe was an avid fisherman and loved to watch basketball.  He regularly attended Tipton High School basketball games for over 50 years.

Joe enjoyed retirement and had a number of hobbies.  He was an accomplished stained glass artisan.  In later years he became a Westmorland glass enthusiast, who enjoyed mingling with friends of like interest at trade shows and conventions.

Although quiet and unassuming, Joe made quite an impact on his community as a philanthropist.  Many Tipton County charitable organizations have benefited from his generous gifts.  Joe was an active participant in the Tipton County Foundation‘s grant making committee,  He established and funded the JRB Fund though the Tipton County Foundation, a family endowment which will fund community benefit grants now and for future generations of Tipton County.

He was a member of West Street Christian Church and the Austin Lodge #128, F. & A.M. in Tipton.  A brother, Raymond A. Orr, and sister-in-law, Betty Orr preceded him in death.

Joe’s funeral will be at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, January 4, 2018 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Linda McKiernan-Allen presiding. Burial will follow at Fairview Cemetery in Tipton. Visitation will also be on Thursday from 12 Noon until the time of the service at the funeral home.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Tipton County Foundation, P.O. Box 412, Tipton, Indiana 46072.