Robert C. Orr

Robert Cooper Orr, 91, of Tipton died at 4:10 p.m. Wednesday, June 20, 2012 at IU Health Tipton Hospital. He was the only child of Basil & Madge Marie (Cooper) Orr. He was born January 3, 1921 in the family home near Windfall where he lived all of his life until just recently. His parents nurtured him in the faith and belief that serving others before self was his earthly mission and that the rewards would follow. He lived by that creed and enjoyed those rewards. "For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted." Luke 14:11 On August 16, 1958 he married Phyllis Maxine Kiser and she survives. His only child, Michael Glenn Orr, predeceased him. Other survivors include two grandsons, Timothy Orr and wife Michelle, Columbus, Indiana, and Shannon Orr, Terre Haute; one great-grandson, Shae Orr; and one great-granddaughter, Faith Orr.

Bob volunteered in the US Infantry 72nd (Lightening) Division during World War II, becoming a machine gunner and squad leader. He obtained a Bachelor of Science degree at Indiana School of Business Administration in 1943. While at the university he was a member of Sigma Nu and the Alpha Kappa Psi business fraternity. He also earned a Master of Arts Degree from Ball State University School of Social Science in 1963.

During the 80's, Robert was honored by the Governor of Indiana for his outstanding public service. He was awarded the Sagamore of the Wabash, Distinguished Hoosier Award, and was designated as an Honorary Lt. Governor of Indiana. He also received the Award of Meritorious Public Service by Tipton County Judge Dane P. Nash. Robert was awarded a plaque and a honoring banquet was held for his gift of his farm to the Tipton County Foundation. The income from the farm is to support Christian Organizations and humanitarian agencies such as hospitals.

Before ill health curtailed his activities, he was a member of the Windfall Christian Church, Indiana Retired Teachers Association, Tipton County Retired Teachers Association, and a former member of various fraternal and social organizations in Indiana.

Among his most gratifying fulfillments in life were serving youth as a high school teacher at Windfall, Sharpsville, and Tri-Central High Schools in northern Tipton County. He often said there existed an affinity of sprit with his former students which was uniquely unlike any other.

Robert's funeral will be at 2:30 p.m. Sunday, June 24 at Young-Nichols Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Jack Masters and Rev. Carl Roudebush presiding. Burial will be in Brookside Cemetery, Windfall. Visitation will be from 2:00 – 6:00 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers, gifts in memorial may be made to the American Heart Association or the American Cancer Society.