Curtis L. Orr

Curtis L. Orr of Beaverville, Illinois passed away on Thursday, October 6 at Prairieview Lutheran Home in Danforth, at the age of 95, surrounded by his children. Curtis was born on April 12, 1927 to Harry and Dwight (Gillogly) Orr in Armstrong, Illinois. Born the youngest of 5 boys, Curtis was unable to complete his high school education as he was needed on his family’s farm. Although his life started in a small farming town with limited formal education, over the years he served his community in many leadership roles and traveled the world serving as the Director of the Board of the International Association of Lions Clubs. He was a current member of the Bradley Lions Club. Curtis was the owner/operator of the Papineau Grain Company from 1966-1990 and had also managed the Beaverville Grain and Lumber Company. He was active in both county and township leadership. He was a former member of the Iroquois County Board, serving as Vice Chair and Finance Chair. He was also a Township Supervisor for over 25 years. Curtis served on the board of Iroquois Memorial Hospital in Watseka Illinois for 12 years, 8 years as board chair. Curtis was also a veteran of the US Air Force, serving 3 years active duty during WWII and one year active duty during the Korean War. He also participated in the Honor Flight to Washington D.C. He was a member of Donovan Church of Christ. Curtis married Donna McGowen in 1950 and together had a family that filled them with pride and joy. During his free time, Curtis loved being with his family either at family dinners or watching his children and grandchildren play sports. He was a loyal fan of the Fighting Illini and as a die hard Cubs fan was thrilled to have lived to see them win the World Series in 2016. Curtis was preceded in death by his wife, Donna Lee (McGowen) Orr, who passed away on March 10, 2006, and his son-in-law, Kevin Stroo. He was also preceded in death by his four brothers and their wives and one sister who died in infancy. He is survived by his children Connie (Larry) Osenga of Kankakee, Vickie Stroo of Bourbonnais, Randie (Tammy) Orr of Watseka and Barrie (Pam) Orr of Hoffman Estates. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren and one great great grandson. He is also survived by a brother in law Lloyd (Margaret) McGowen of Williamsport, Indiana and one sister-in-law, Sue Dines of Danville, Illinois. A visitation for Curtis is planned for Monday, October 10, 2022 from 4 pm until the time of the 7 pm service. The visitation will be at the Clancy Gernon Hertz Funeral Home on 1480 W. Court Street, Kankakee, Illinois. All are invited to attend. A private family graveside service will be held on Tuesday, October 11, 2022 at Floral Hill Cemetery in Hoopeston, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to one of the following: Lions of Illinois Foundation 700 N. Peace Road Suite B DeKalb, Illinois 60115 Uplifted Care 482 Main Street NW, Bourbonnais, Illinois 60914 Prairieview Lutheran Home 403 N. 4th Street, Danforth, Illinois 60930

Curtis L. Orr

April 12, 1927 - October 6, 2022