White Funeral Home
400 First Street West
Independence, Iowa 50644

Independence – J. Richard “Dick” Orr, 77 years old, of Independence, Iowa, died on Friday, March 8, 2013, at the Buchanan County Health Center in Independence.  He was born on May 21, 1935, in Independence, Iowa, the son of John W. and Dora (Cleland) Orr.  He graduated from high school in Independence with the Class of 1953.  On August 26, 1955, he and the former Nancy Velle Smith were married at the Waterloo Gospel Hall in Waterloo, Iowa.  Mr. Orr worked at the Mental Health Institute in Independence for 35 years.  He was the manager of the laundry when he retired in 1997.  He was an Elder at the Waterloo Gospel Hall in Waterloo and enjoyed reading the Bible and leading study groups.  He also was a woodworker and looked forward to spending time with his family.

Mr. Orr is survived by his wife of 57 years, Nancy, 1 son, John (Beth) Orr of East Troy, Wisconsin, and 3 daughters, Cindy (Wendy Sillekens) Orr and Julie (David) Harbaugh, both of Waterloo, Iowa, and Becky (Butch) Peyton of Independence, Iowa.  He is also survived by 10 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren, and 1 brother, Robert (Anne) Orr of Aplington, Iowa.

His parents preceded him in death.

Funeral Services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, March 12, 2013, at the Waterloo Gospel Hall in Waterloo, Iowa, with John Orr officiating.  Casket Bearers will be Kent Orr, Kevin Orr, Eric Harbaugh, Nick Peyton, Ryan Peyton, Nate Sillekens, Kyle Sillekens, Jason Frazier, and Lee Stenerson.  Burial will be in Mt. Hope Cemetery in Independence, Iowa.

Friends may call for visitation from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Mar. 11^th, at the White Funeral Home in Independence