Col. Dan B. Orr

Col. Dan B. Orr (USAF-ret.), died Sunday, March 20, 2011 at his Horizon Bay residence in Graham, surrounded by his children, grandchildren, great grandson, and many more loved ones. Graveside services with military honors will be Saturday, March 26, 2011 at 1:00 p.m. in Pioneer Cemetery and a memorial service at First Presbyterian Church at 2:00 p.m. Arrangements are under the direction of Morrison Funeral Home.

Born Daniel Bell Orr to Daniel and Linnie Bell (Dennis) on October 8, 1919 in Olney, he graduated from Graham High School, class of 1937, and then Texas A&M, class of 1941, just months before the attack on Pearl Harbor. As a second lieutenant, he went directly to pilot training in the Army Air Corps and was soon off to war in North Africa and Europe, but not before marrying Virginia Daisye Helm of Newcastle, in May, 1942, who preceded him in death in October, 2010.

Dan flew 51 harrowing missions in WWII as a B-24 pilot and a member of the 376th Heavy Bombardment Group. He participated in the famous low altitude raid on the Ploesti oil fields of Romania, returning to home base with a few dead chickens in the engine compartment. He watched many of his fellow pilots fall victim to ack-ack, enemy fighters and empty fuel tanks. He was fortunate to have only one crash landing, during a sandstorm in the Libyan desert. General Jimmy Doolittle pinned on him the Distinguished Flying Cross, one of many decorations he wore proudly on his uniform.

When the war was over, Dan at 24, was already a major. He made the Air Force a career with assignments all over the world, including a stint in Korea and Japan, where his family accompanied him. Dan and Virginia's five children were born in Washington state, Florida, North Carolina and Texas.

He retired as a command pilot full colonel in 1961 and returned to Graham, the only place he had ever truly called home, but with a wife and five children, he could not rest on his laurels. He started in the oil business, then ran a successful real estate business for 25 years.

He was active in the community, including being chairman of the Republican Party of Young County from 1966 to 1996, a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he had served as deacon, a member of the Cactus Squadron of the Commemorative Air Force, and enjoyed helping Virginia with her Meals on Wheels deliveries. He was loved and respected by many, and rarely was at a loss for a person's name or family history.

Survivors include his children: Daniel B. Orr Jr. of Laughlin, NV, Lynn Nees and husband Gordon of Graham, Lisa Priddy and husband Curtis of Fort Worth, and David Orr and wife Renee of Austin; Eleven grandchildren: Ginger Nees Birk, Gordon "Chip" Nees, Trenton Bonner, Darik Bonner, Daisye Orr, Dylan Orr, Michael Priddy, Ginnie Priddy Vierra, Mary Liz Priddy, Daniel and Erin Orr; and one great-grandson, Jagger Nees.

He was preceded in death by his wife of 68 years, Virginia, daughter, Diana Bonner, granddaughter, Danielle Bonner, sister, Floyce Moon, and brothers, Buell and Wade Orr.

Contributions in Dan's memory to victims of the recent disaster in Japan may be made to American Red Cross: Rhonda, 1809 5th St, Wichita Falls, TX 76301, to Meals on Wheels, P.O. Box 1655, Graham, TX 76450, or to the charity of choice.