Howard Dale Orr, son of late Howard Lyle Orr and Mary Lorraine (Allen) Orr, was born Jan. 24, 1935, in Wapato, Wash., and passed away at his home in Mountain Grove, on Sep. 18, 2021. He was 86 years, 7 months and 25 days of age. Howard was affectionately known as “Bud” by family and close friends. In 1953, he was drafted into the United States Navy and spent nine months of service at the USS Philippine Sea. Howard and his sailor buddies went to Norman, Okla., to go to a popular hang out to dance and have fun. There he saw three girls at a booth, and one of them caught his eye in a white sailor dress with a red belt. Howard asked her to dance, and she said yes. After that night, they spent three months writing to each other until Howard asked Nancy to marry him. Since Aug. 18, 1954, they have been dancing through life for 67 years. Howard gave Nancy the nickname of “Nanny Poo.” Howard was a mechanic in Oklahoma and then moved to Missouri to farm and drive trucks before retiring. He was a great friend, husband and would help anyone. He was also a prankster, loved to laugh, and visit with friends and family. When you’d get ready to leave, Howard would say “Glad you got to see me.” Besides his parents, Howard was preceded in death by four sisters, Loretta, Betty, Nadine and Frances; his father-in-law and mother-in-law, Granville and Dorothy Bledsoe; and his brother and sister-in-law, Billy and Barbara Bledsoe. Howard is survived by his loving wife, Nancy Orr, of Mountain Grove; and several nieces and nephews who will truly miss “Uncle Bud.” Graveside memorial services will be held at a later date with burial in the Pleasant Mound Cemetery. Arrangements are under the direction of the Craig-Hurtt Funeral Home of Mountain Grove.
