Russell E. Orr

Russell E. “Tiny” Orr, age 94, of Stone Creek, died Tuesday, February 7, 2012, in Schoenbrunn Health Care Center at New Philadelphia following a period of declining health.

A son of the late John J. and Alice Mae (Sharkey) Orr, Russell was born at Zanesville, Ohio, on May 15, 1917.

He attended school at Ragersville and entered into the United States Army on January 2, 1943. While serving, he was charged with the task of an auto mechanic and driver. Russell was assigned to the Rhineland and Central European Theatres. For his service during World War II, he was awarded the Good Conduct Medal, the Mertorious Unit Award, The Victory Medal as well as the EAME Theatre Service Medal with 2 Bronze Stars.

Prior to his enlistment, on October 9, 1941, Russell married the former Ethel L. Chaney. Together they reared four children and celebrated 51 years of marriage prior to her passing on March 18, 1993.

Russell spent nearly 30 years as the owner and operator of the Village Tin Shop at Newcomerstown prior to his retirement in April of 1982.

He was a longtime member of Zion Lutheran Church at Stone Creek, the Tuscarawas County Farm Bureau, and was a life member of the American Legion Post and B.P.O. Elks Lodge at Newcomerstown.

Russell enjoyed visiting with his friends and neighbors at his home and looked forward to driving the country roads surrounding his farm, often stopping along the way to visit the homes of those same friends. In his younger years, Russell enjoyed coon hunting.

Surviving are his children, Leona (Tim) Wilson of Sherrodsville, Nancy Lou Stevenson of New Philadelphia, Garry R. Orr and his companion, Nancy Stasik, of New Philadelphia and Susan (Robert) Haas, Jr. of Stone Creek.

Nine grandchildren, 11 great-grandchildren, two brothers; Charles (Mary Lou) Orr of Lancaster, Ohio and Donald (Dolly) Orr of Johnstown, Ohio; two sisters, Betty Bowers of Navarre and LaVonda “Bonnie” Osterhaut of South Carolina and numerous nieces and nephews complete the family.

In addition to his parents and wife, Russell was preceded in death by a great-grandson, Robert McClanahan; two brothers, William Orr and Thomas Orr; and four sisters, Marguerite Orr, Marjorie Rifenbark, Katherine Cole Winkler, and Leah Lombardo.

The family will receive friends Thursday afternoon, February 9, from 4 to 7 in the Linn-Hert-Geib Funeral Home & Crematory at New Philadelphia. Pastor William Haggis will lead a funeral service celebrating Russell’s life in the funeral home’s chapel Friday afternoon at 1:30. Burial with military honors, will follow in the Dover Burial Park.

Following services, guests are invited to join the family in the Hospitality Center of the Dover Geib Funeral Center, where a meal and fellowship will be shared.

Memorial contributions in Russell’s name may be directed to Community Hospice of Tuscarawas County, 716 Commercial Avenue SW, New Philadelphia, Ohio 44663.