Paul Edgar Orr, 96 of Greenfield passed away peacefully on Sunday June 28, 2020 at his home.
He was born July 8, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the sixth of seven children to Reverend John Wesley Orr and Mattie (Johnson) Orr.
In 1939 Paul’s father accepted a minister’s position at the Rainsboro United Methodist Church which brought him into the Greenfield community as a high school student.
Paul was born into a loving and musically talented family which performed in many area churches and different venues. This early exposure to singing and performing was later exemplified through faithful membership in the Greenfield First United Methodist Church choir, barbershop quartets and community performances. Paul’s love for singing was always present. He firmly believed it was one of the important ways for him to serve God.
Paul was a 1941 graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Those teams won SCOL championships highlighted by the baseball team being state runner up in the big school division of the 1940 season.
In the fall of 1941 Paul entered The Ohio State University. That fall he played on the freshmen football team. He also earned a working Stadium Scholarship that enabled him to live in the O.S.U Horseshoe Stadium/Dorm. He developed close friendships and many fond memories as these students cooked and cleaned the dorm together. In 1942 Paul entered the military service and was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program during World War II. This kept him at O.S.U. to study engineering. The Army decided they needed medical doctors so he was sent to Fort Bragg N.C. where he spent time attending to injured soldiers. As World War II ended he went to medical school at the University of North Carolina. During this time Paul learned that his younger brother James had died of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge while providing first aid to soldiers on the battlefield. This was a devastating loss for Paul.
It was here he decided to pursue a degree in education. He then returned to O.S.U. to pursue his goals of becoming a teacher and coach. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. He would later earn his Masters degree in Educational Administration.
Paul’s teaching and coaching career began at Hamilton Twp. He taught and coached there from 1947 to 1954. His coaching earned him a place in the Hamilton Twp. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 1954 Paul returned to Greenfield to teach and be the Head Football Coach. His football teams won SCOL titles in 1954, 57, 58, and 1959 which went undefeated. He then served as McClain High School principal for six years. Coach Orr later returned to coaching at McClain for the 1966 - 71 seasons while also serving the position of Director of Student Personnel.
The following year Paul was selected as superintendent of Fairfield Local Schools in Leesburg, Ohio. He remained in that position from 1972-1978 retiring after 30 years of service in public education.
Paul was eventually approached with an opportunity to become Highland County Court Bailiff serving Greenfield. He said he would give it six months or so… he stayed for 30 years. When he turned 90 years old it was determined that he was the oldest active court bailiff in the state of Ohio. In a ceremony commemorating this occasion he was presented a plaque and met with family, friends and coworkers. He often referred to those in the court house as his second family and felt extremely fortunate to have worked there.
Paul had a strong sense of commitment to his community. He was an active member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church having taught high school and adult Sunday school classes plus many other responsibilities. He also was a member of the Greenfield Historical Society (past president), development and construction of Felson Park and coached youth baseball teams. He ran for State Representative (1980) and was a member of the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield. Professionally, he was a member of the Ohio Educational Association, the Ohio Association of Secondary Administrators, and was an Ohio Retired Teachers Association Life Member.
Paul was blessed many times over by those with whom he worked. Some of his accolades include the McClain High School Alumni Hall of Fame, Grand Marshall for the Greenfield Memorial Day parade, a special proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives on his 90th birthday, and induction into the Times Gazette Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
In later years it was not unusual for people to ask family members how Evelyn and Paul were doing along with a humorous story or event from which they shared. Paul was very proud of his family and took special joy in those dinners and celebrations. He was happiest seated next to Evelyn and surrounded by his family.
Paul thrived on human interactions and “never met a stranger”. He believed in the common good of people and had sincere concern for others. Combining these feelings with his quick wit, generosity, and loyalty, it is not surprising he made long lasting friendships that spanned many decades. Such was evidence as the years passed and numerous phone calls or impromptu visits to the farm began with “Just happened to be thinking of you” as past players and friends would stop by to say hello. He loved people and people loved him.
Coach Orr was blessed through life and strove to return those blessings to others. Yes it has been quite an extraordinary ride… a life full and joyfully lived. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.
Paul is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn (Arnott) Orr, whom he married on June 6, 1948 at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church, officiated by his father the Reverend John Orr. He is survived by his four children, Paula Orr (Howard Zody) of Hillsboro, Jamie (Charles) Eselgroth of Greenfield, James W. Orr DVM (Rogie) of Greenfield, and John (Amy) Orr of Milford; eight grandchildren, Paul Eselgroth of Athens, David (Nicole) Eselgroth of Columbus, Jacob (Danae) Orr-Zody of Greenfield, Kate Orr of Milford, Mark Eselgroth of Los Angeles, California, Chelsea (Tommy) Scott of Franklin, Grace Orr of Charleston S.C., and Allie (Vince) Perhach of Clarksburg; two great grandchildren Brayden and Amelia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Benjamin Eselgroth and Gabriel Orr-Zody; two sisters Grace and Ruth; and four brothers, Ralph, John, Charles and James.
According to his wishes Paul will be cremated. Due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following. They were all areas of special interest to him. Please designate that contributions are being made in his memory.
Paul and Evelyn Orr Scholarship Fund
℅ McClain Alumni Association
P.O. Box 396
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Greenfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 266
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
McClain Field House Renovations
Tiger Athletic Boosters
P.O. Box 335
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
He was born July 8, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the sixth of seven children to Reverend John Wesley Orr and Mattie (Johnson) Orr.
In 1939 Paul’s father accepted a minister’s position at the Rainsboro United Methodist Church which brought him into the Greenfield community as a high school student.
Paul was born into a loving and musically talented family which performed in many area churches and different venues. This early exposure to singing and performing was later exemplified through faithful membership in the Greenfield First United Methodist Church choir, barbershop quartets and community performances. Paul’s love for singing was always present. He firmly believed it was one of the important ways for him to serve God.
Paul was a 1941 graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Those teams won SCOL championships highlighted by the baseball team being state runner up in the big school division of the 1940 season.
In the fall of 1941 Paul entered The Ohio State University. That fall he played on the freshmen football team. He also earned a working Stadium Scholarship that enabled him to live in the O.S.U Horseshoe Stadium/Dorm. He developed close friendships and many fond memories as these students cooked and cleaned the dorm together. In 1942 Paul entered the military service and was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program during World War II. This kept him at O.S.U. to study engineering. The Army decided they needed medical doctors so he was sent to Fort Bragg N.C. where he spent time attending to injured soldiers. As World War II ended he went to medical school at the University of North Carolina. During this time Paul learned that his younger brother James had died of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge while providing first aid to soldiers on the battlefield. This was a devastating loss for Paul.
It was here he decided to pursue a degree in education. He then returned to O.S.U. to pursue his goals of becoming a teacher and coach. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. He would later earn his Masters degree in Educational Administration.
Paul’s teaching and coaching career began at Hamilton Twp. He taught and coached there from 1947 to 1954. His coaching earned him a place in the Hamilton Twp. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 1954 Paul returned to Greenfield to teach and be the Head Football Coach. His football teams won SCOL titles in 1954, 57, 58, and 1959 which went undefeated. He then served as McClain High School principal for six years. Coach Orr later returned to coaching at McClain for the 1966 - 71 seasons while also serving the position of Director of Student Personnel.
The following year Paul was selected as superintendent of Fairfield Local Schools in Leesburg, Ohio. He remained in that position from 1972-1978 retiring after 30 years of service in public education.
Paul was eventually approached with an opportunity to become Highland County Court Bailiff serving Greenfield. He said he would give it six months or so… he stayed for 30 years. When he turned 90 years old it was determined that he was the oldest active court bailiff in the state of Ohio. In a ceremony commemorating this occasion he was presented a plaque and met with family, friends and coworkers. He often referred to those in the court house as his second family and felt extremely fortunate to have worked there.
Paul had a strong sense of commitment to his community. He was an active member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church having taught high school and adult Sunday school classes plus many other responsibilities. He also was a member of the Greenfield Historical Society (past president), development and construction of Felson Park and coached youth baseball teams. He ran for State Representative (1980) and was a member of the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield. Professionally, he was a member of the Ohio Educational Association, the Ohio Association of Secondary Administrators, and was an Ohio Retired Teachers Association Life Member.
Paul was blessed many times over by those with whom he worked. Some of his accolades include the McClain High School Alumni Hall of Fame, Grand Marshall for the Greenfield Memorial Day parade, a special proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives on his 90th birthday, and induction into the Times Gazette Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
In later years it was not unusual for people to ask family members how Evelyn and Paul were doing along with a humorous story or event from which they shared. Paul was very proud of his family and took special joy in those dinners and celebrations. He was happiest seated next to Evelyn and surrounded by his family.
Paul thrived on human interactions and “never met a stranger”. He believed in the common good of people and had sincere concern for others. Combining these feelings with his quick wit, generosity, and loyalty, it is not surprising he made long lasting friendships that spanned many decades. Such was evidence as the years passed and numerous phone calls or impromptu visits to the farm began with “Just happened to be thinking of you” as past players and friends would stop by to say hello. He loved people and people loved him.
Coach Orr was blessed through life and strove to return those blessings to others. Yes it has been quite an extraordinary ride… a life full and joyfully lived. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.
Paul is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn (Arnott) Orr, whom he married on June 6, 1948 at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church, officiated by his father the Reverend John Orr. He is survived by his four children, Paula Orr (Howard Zody) of Hillsboro, Jamie (Charles) Eselgroth of Greenfield, James W. Orr DVM (Rogie) of Greenfield, and John (Amy) Orr of Milford; eight grandchildren, Paul Eselgroth of Athens, David (Nicole) Eselgroth of Columbus, Jacob (Danae) Orr-Zody of Greenfield, Kate Orr of Milford, Mark Eselgroth of Los Angeles, California, Chelsea (Tommy) Scott of Franklin, Grace Orr of Charleston S.C., and Allie (Vince) Perhach of Clarksburg; two great grandchildren Brayden and Amelia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Benjamin Eselgroth and Gabriel Orr-Zody; two sisters Grace and Ruth; and four brothers, Ralph, John, Charles and James.
According to his wishes Paul will be cremated. Due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following. They were all areas of special interest to him. Please designate that contributions are being made in his memory.
Paul and Evelyn Orr Scholarship Fund
℅ McClain Alumni Association
P.O. Box 396
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Greenfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 266
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
McClain Field House Renovations
Tiger Athletic Boosters
P.O. Box 335
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Paul Edgar Orr, 96 of Greenfield passed away peacefully on Sunday June 28, 2020 at his home.
He was born July 8, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the sixth of seven children to Reverend John Wesley Orr and Mattie (Johnson) Orr.
In 1939 Paul’s father accepted a minister’s position at the Rainsboro United Methodist Church which brought him into the Greenfield community as a high school student.
Paul was born into a loving and musically talented family which performed in many area churches and different venues. This early exposure to singing and performing was later exemplified through faithful membership in the Greenfield First United Methodist Church choir, barbershop quartets and community performances. Paul’s love for singing was always present. He firmly believed it was one of the important ways for him to serve God.
Paul was a 1941 graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Those teams won SCOL championships highlighted by the baseball team being state runner up in the big school division of the 1940 season.
In the fall of 1941 Paul entered The Ohio State University. That fall he played on the freshmen football team. He also earned a working Stadium Scholarship that enabled him to live in the O.S.U Horseshoe Stadium/Dorm. He developed close friendships and many fond memories as these students cooked and cleaned the dorm together. In 1942 Paul entered the military service and was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program during World War II. This kept him at O.S.U. to study engineering. The Army decided they needed medical doctors so he was sent to Fort Bragg N.C. where he spent time attending to injured soldiers. As World War II ended he went to medical school at the University of North Carolina. During this time Paul learned that his younger brother James had died of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge while providing first aid to soldiers on the battlefield. This was a devastating loss for Paul.
It was here he decided to pursue a degree in education. He then returned to O.S.U. to pursue his goals of becoming a teacher and coach. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. He would later earn his Masters degree in Educational Administration.
Paul’s teaching and coaching career began at Hamilton Twp. He taught and coached there from 1947 to 1954. His coaching earned him a place in the Hamilton Twp. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 1954 Paul returned to Greenfield to teach and be the Head Football Coach. His football teams won SCOL titles in 1954, 57, 58, and 1959 which went undefeated. He then served as McClain High School principal for six years. Coach Orr later returned to coaching at McClain for the 1966 - 71 seasons while also serving the position of Director of Student Personnel.
The following year Paul was selected as superintendent of Fairfield Local Schools in Leesburg, Ohio. He remained in that position from 1972-1978 retiring after 30 years of service in public education.
Paul was eventually approached with an opportunity to become Highland County Court Bailiff serving Greenfield. He said he would give it six months or so… he stayed for 30 years. When he turned 90 years old it was determined that he was the oldest active court bailiff in the state of Ohio. In a ceremony commemorating this occasion he was presented a plaque and met with family, friends and coworkers. He often referred to those in the court house as his second family and felt extremely fortunate to have worked there.
Paul had a strong sense of commitment to his community. He was an active member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church having taught high school and adult Sunday school classes plus many other responsibilities. He also was a member of the Greenfield Historical Society (past president), development and construction of Felson Park and coached youth baseball teams. He ran for State Representative (1980) and was a member of the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield. Professionally, he was a member of the Ohio Educational Association, the Ohio Association of Secondary Administrators, and was an Ohio Retired Teachers Association Life Member.
Paul was blessed many times over by those with whom he worked. Some of his accolades include the McClain High School Alumni Hall of Fame, Grand Marshall for the Greenfield Memorial Day parade, a special proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives on his 90th birthday, and induction into the Times Gazette Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
In later years it was not unusual for people to ask family members how Evelyn and Paul were doing along with a humorous story or event from which they shared. Paul was very proud of his family and took special joy in those dinners and celebrations. He was happiest seated next to Evelyn and surrounded by his family.
Paul thrived on human interactions and “never met a stranger”. He believed in the common good of people and had sincere concern for others. Combining these feelings with his quick wit, generosity, and loyalty, it is not surprising he made long lasting friendships that spanned many decades. Such was evidence as the years passed and numerous phone calls or impromptu visits to the farm began with “Just happened to be thinking of you” as past players and friends would stop by to say hello. He loved people and people loved him.
Coach Orr was blessed through life and strove to return those blessings to others. Yes it has been quite an extraordinary ride… a life full and joyfully lived. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.
Paul is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn (Arnott) Orr, whom he married on June 6, 1948 at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church, officiated by his father the Reverend John Orr. He is survived by his four children, Paula Orr (Howard Zody) of Hillsboro, Jamie (Charles) Eselgroth of Greenfield, James W. Orr DVM (Rogie) of Greenfield, and John (Amy) Orr of Milford; eight grandchildren, Paul Eselgroth of Athens, David (Nicole) Eselgroth of Columbus, Jacob (Danae) Orr-Zody of Greenfield, Kate Orr of Milford, Mark Eselgroth of Los Angeles, California, Chelsea (Tommy) Scott of Franklin, Grace Orr of Charleston S.C., and Allie (Vince) Perhach of Clarksburg; two great grandchildren Brayden and Amelia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Benjamin Eselgroth and Gabriel Orr-Zody; two sisters Grace and Ruth; and four brothers, Ralph, John, Charles and James.
According to his wishes Paul will be cremated. Due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following. They were all areas of special interest to him. Please designate that contributions are being made in his memory.
Paul and Evelyn Orr Scholarship Fund
℅ McClain Alumni Association
P.O. Box 396
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Greenfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 266
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
McClain Field House Renovations
Tiger Athletic Boosters
P.O. Box 335
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
He was born July 8, 1923 in Columbus, Ohio. He was the sixth of seven children to Reverend John Wesley Orr and Mattie (Johnson) Orr.
In 1939 Paul’s father accepted a minister’s position at the Rainsboro United Methodist Church which brought him into the Greenfield community as a high school student.
Paul was born into a loving and musically talented family which performed in many area churches and different venues. This early exposure to singing and performing was later exemplified through faithful membership in the Greenfield First United Methodist Church choir, barbershop quartets and community performances. Paul’s love for singing was always present. He firmly believed it was one of the important ways for him to serve God.
Paul was a 1941 graduate of Edward Lee McClain High School where he played football, basketball, and baseball. Those teams won SCOL championships highlighted by the baseball team being state runner up in the big school division of the 1940 season.
In the fall of 1941 Paul entered The Ohio State University. That fall he played on the freshmen football team. He also earned a working Stadium Scholarship that enabled him to live in the O.S.U Horseshoe Stadium/Dorm. He developed close friendships and many fond memories as these students cooked and cleaned the dorm together. In 1942 Paul entered the military service and was selected for the Army Specialized Training Program during World War II. This kept him at O.S.U. to study engineering. The Army decided they needed medical doctors so he was sent to Fort Bragg N.C. where he spent time attending to injured soldiers. As World War II ended he went to medical school at the University of North Carolina. During this time Paul learned that his younger brother James had died of injuries sustained during the Battle of the Bulge while providing first aid to soldiers on the battlefield. This was a devastating loss for Paul.
It was here he decided to pursue a degree in education. He then returned to O.S.U. to pursue his goals of becoming a teacher and coach. He graduated in 1948 with a Bachelors of Science Degree in Education. He would later earn his Masters degree in Educational Administration.
Paul’s teaching and coaching career began at Hamilton Twp. He taught and coached there from 1947 to 1954. His coaching earned him a place in the Hamilton Twp. Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009.
In 1954 Paul returned to Greenfield to teach and be the Head Football Coach. His football teams won SCOL titles in 1954, 57, 58, and 1959 which went undefeated. He then served as McClain High School principal for six years. Coach Orr later returned to coaching at McClain for the 1966 - 71 seasons while also serving the position of Director of Student Personnel.
The following year Paul was selected as superintendent of Fairfield Local Schools in Leesburg, Ohio. He remained in that position from 1972-1978 retiring after 30 years of service in public education.
Paul was eventually approached with an opportunity to become Highland County Court Bailiff serving Greenfield. He said he would give it six months or so… he stayed for 30 years. When he turned 90 years old it was determined that he was the oldest active court bailiff in the state of Ohio. In a ceremony commemorating this occasion he was presented a plaque and met with family, friends and coworkers. He often referred to those in the court house as his second family and felt extremely fortunate to have worked there.
Paul had a strong sense of commitment to his community. He was an active member of the Greenfield First United Methodist Church having taught high school and adult Sunday school classes plus many other responsibilities. He also was a member of the Greenfield Historical Society (past president), development and construction of Felson Park and coached youth baseball teams. He ran for State Representative (1980) and was a member of the Concerned Veterans of Greenfield. Professionally, he was a member of the Ohio Educational Association, the Ohio Association of Secondary Administrators, and was an Ohio Retired Teachers Association Life Member.
Paul was blessed many times over by those with whom he worked. Some of his accolades include the McClain High School Alumni Hall of Fame, Grand Marshall for the Greenfield Memorial Day parade, a special proclamation from the Ohio House of Representatives on his 90th birthday, and induction into the Times Gazette Athletic Hall of Fame in 2019.
In later years it was not unusual for people to ask family members how Evelyn and Paul were doing along with a humorous story or event from which they shared. Paul was very proud of his family and took special joy in those dinners and celebrations. He was happiest seated next to Evelyn and surrounded by his family.
Paul thrived on human interactions and “never met a stranger”. He believed in the common good of people and had sincere concern for others. Combining these feelings with his quick wit, generosity, and loyalty, it is not surprising he made long lasting friendships that spanned many decades. Such was evidence as the years passed and numerous phone calls or impromptu visits to the farm began with “Just happened to be thinking of you” as past players and friends would stop by to say hello. He loved people and people loved him.
Coach Orr was blessed through life and strove to return those blessings to others. Yes it has been quite an extraordinary ride… a life full and joyfully lived. He will be greatly missed and always in our hearts.
Paul is survived by the love of his life, Evelyn (Arnott) Orr, whom he married on June 6, 1948 at the Greenfield First United Methodist Church, officiated by his father the Reverend John Orr. He is survived by his four children, Paula Orr (Howard Zody) of Hillsboro, Jamie (Charles) Eselgroth of Greenfield, James W. Orr DVM (Rogie) of Greenfield, and John (Amy) Orr of Milford; eight grandchildren, Paul Eselgroth of Athens, David (Nicole) Eselgroth of Columbus, Jacob (Danae) Orr-Zody of Greenfield, Kate Orr of Milford, Mark Eselgroth of Los Angeles, California, Chelsea (Tommy) Scott of Franklin, Grace Orr of Charleston S.C., and Allie (Vince) Perhach of Clarksburg; two great grandchildren Brayden and Amelia; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to his parents, Paul was preceded in death by two grandchildren, Benjamin Eselgroth and Gabriel Orr-Zody; two sisters Grace and Ruth; and four brothers, Ralph, John, Charles and James.
According to his wishes Paul will be cremated. Due to the Covid-19 Global Pandemic, a private family celebration of life will be held at a later date at the convenience of the family.
Memorial contributions may be made to the following. They were all areas of special interest to him. Please designate that contributions are being made in his memory.
Paul and Evelyn Orr Scholarship Fund
℅ McClain Alumni Association
P.O. Box 396
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
Greenfield Historical Society
P.O. Box 266
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
McClain Field House Renovations
Tiger Athletic Boosters
P.O. Box 335
Greenfield, Ohio 45123
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