Lloyd Preston Orr

Preston Orr, age 89, a lifelong resident of North Branch, passed away on Wednesday, January 4, 2017 at the Marlette United Hospice Service.  Preston was born on July 16, 1927 A.D. in the Village of North Branch to Dwight and Laura (Stacey) Orr.  Preston married Gretchen Personius on November 25, 1954.  He graduated from North Branch High School class of 1945, where he played the tuba in the North Branch Band.  Preston proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.    He continued his education at Albion College, graduating in 1953.  Preston was a member of the Phi Mu Alpha, Sigma Chi, and Albion Band.  Preston was a 3rd generation owner of the Daniel Orr Sons Hardware.  He loved to interact with his customers at the hardware store. Preston was an active member of the North Branch Parade Committee, 4-H, and he was a Little League Coach.  Preston was an active member of the North Branch United Methodist Church, where he taught Sunday School and was a member of the Methodist Men Club. He also enjoyed singing in the church choir. Preston was also a member of the Antique Fire Apparatus Association.  He enjoyed woodworking, yard work, telling jokes, music and history.  Preston will be missed by his family, and the entire North Branch community.

Preston is survived by his wife, Gretchen; daughter, Cindy (Robert) Mitchell of North Branch; sons, Bill (Pam) Orr of North Branch, Scott (Cathy) Orr of Columbiaville, and Tom (Diana) Orr of North Branch;  13 grandchildren, 8  great-grandchildren, sister-in-law Marjorie Orr, brothers-in-law, Robert (Doris) Personius and Walter (Susan) Personius, many nieces, nephews and friends. 

Preston was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Clare and Daniel; sister, L. Ann Klenner and grandson, Elliott Orr.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be directed to the Marlette United Hospice Service, the Preston Orr Scholarship Award, or the North Branch United Methodist Church.

Family will be present for visitation on Friday, January 6th from 5 PM-8 PM and Saturday, January 7th from 1 PM- 8 PM at the North Branch United Methodist Church. Funeral Service will be on Sunday, January 8th at 1 PM at the North Branch High School Auditorium with Rev. Ron Hutchinson officiating. Preston will be laid to rest in Great Lakes National Cemetery in Holly, MI at a later date.

Arrangements by Blackburn Chapel-Martin Funeral Home

You may share an online condolence at www.blackburnchapel.com