William Kenneth “Ken” Orr, 90, of Sedalia, died Sunday, March 2, 2014, at Fair View Nursing Home.

He was born July 30, 1923, in Sedalia, a son of the late Earl and Alta Marie (Scott) Orr. On June 19, 1947, in Sedalia, he married Mary Louise Yessen, who preceded him in death on December 11, 1997.

Ken was drafted into the Army Air Corp when he was 19 years old. He served his country honorably during World War II and was stationed in Saipan. After being discharged in 1945, he worked in sales for Greenwood’s, Inc., restaurant supplies in Kansas City. He later established Ken Orr Sales Company and continued selling restaurant supplies until his retirement in 1986.

He was a long time member of Wesley United Methodist Church and served as an usher.

He enjoyed volunteering for Meals on Wheels. Ken loved the outdoors and growing beautiful flowers and maintaining his yard were his passion. He loved to walk and especially enjoyed walking in the Highway Gardens on the Missouri State Fairgrounds.

Ken had a quick wit and was “king” of one-liners. He was an excellent caregiver to many family members and lived his life to be a servant to others. After he moved to the Essex in 2010, they became part of his family. He was gracious, thankful and never complained. He was a wonderful man and was an inspiration to his children.

He is survived by three children, Linda Matthews, and her husband, Ernie, of Manito, IL, Dennis Orr, and his wife, Deborah, of Warrensburg, and Connie Patterson, and her husband, Keenan, of Jefferson City; a sister, Catherine Edwards, of Sedalia; three grandchildren, Rob Orr, Amanda Lewis and Kevin Matthews; and five great-grandchildren.

In addition to his wife and parents, he was preceded in death by a brother, Thomas Orr.

Funeral service will be 1 pm, Friday, March 7, 2014, at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Rick Adams officiating. Pallbearers will be Ernie Matthews, Keenan Patterson, Rob Orr, Todd Lewis, Rick Langdon and John Meehan. Burial will follow in Crown Hill Cemetery. Military honors will be conducted by Missouri Army National Guard Honors Team.

Visitation will be 5pm – 7 pm, Thursday at McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Memorial contributions are suggested to Wesley United Methodist Church in care of McLaughlin Funeral Chapel.

Condolences may offered online at www.mclaughlinfuneralchapel.com.

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