Leonard Orr

Obituary of Leonard Orr"Len" Leonard Albert Orr, 90Leonard began eternal life on January 7, 2013. Born in Chicago and raised in Evanston, IL, he had been an Ocalean since 1945. Preceded in death by his loving wife of 67 years, Betty, he is survived by four devoted children , Wendy Staley (Roger), Richard Orr (Cheryl), William Orr (Martha), Shelley Trimm (David), 11 grandchildren, and 16 great- grandchildren. As a member of the Grace Episcopal Church, Len served many terms on the Vestry, was a Junior Warden for facilities, taught children Sunday school, and ushered weekly for 56 years. Strong in his convictions to be a faithful servant, he gently minister to others and was a willing, compassionate caregiver to many elderly friends and family members. From childhood through his sixties, playing, officiating, and coaching sports were great outlets for such a natural athlete. During WWII, Len played on the Army Air Corps football and basketball teams. He excelled in Fast Pitch Softball and was committed to his fitness/wellness routine until four days prior to death. Known as a two handed, multiple pole fisherman, Len was passionate about fishing and felt strongly about protecting Florida's rivers and lakes. He was a member of the Save Lake Weir Association and mentored his children and their peers about sustainable fishing, living wholesome lives, and giving to others. As an avid vegetable gardener, Len shared the bounty and three generations of family participated in "Pa's Gardens".Having proudly served in WWII, Len was trained by the FBI to protect a top secret mission and was selected to join the 509th Composite Atomic Bomb Group as a Military Police Sargent. He was also a Physical Training Instructor to Pacific Theatre flight crews on Tinian Island. For decades, Len gave history presentations to student, civic and military groups about the secret mission of which he was so proud to be a part. Committed to and integral in the creation of the Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park, Len joyfully assisted veterans and their families through December 2012. Len enjoyed a career as civil servant in the Federal Building handling procurement, employee testing and driver training. After fulfilling many roles in the United States Post Office, he retired as a rural carrier at age 55. Len knew the importance of maintaining a social network which led him to civic engagement and diverse leadership roles including: Ocala High School Booster Club President; VFW and Ocala Elks Lodge member; American Legion Commander; and the benevolent, fun loving predominantly WWII veterans MEBA group, a.k.a. Meet, Eat, Belch and Adjourn!A celebration of life will be held at 2:00pm on Saturday, January 12, 2013 at Grace Episcopal Church followed by a reception in the Parrish Hall. Private interment will be at Greenwood Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, donation in Leonard's honor to Grace Episcopal Church, 503 SE Broadway St., Ocala, FL 34471 or Ocala/Marion County Veterans Memorial Park are greatly appreciated.

Leonard Orr

December 31, 1969 - January 7, 2013