Mr. Robert Burns Orders Sr.

Robert Burns Orders Sr., 82, of Charleston, WV and Sarasota, FL went to sleep peacefully with family by his side on Tuesday April 22, 2014. He was born January 9, 1932 in Kermit, WV. He was the son of the late James William and Janie Orders. He was preceded in death by his sister, Lois Wright. He is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Susan Ball Orders, brother, Reverend James William Jr. of Fayetteville, NC, son, Robert Burns Orders Jr. (Darci), of Forest Hill, WV, daughter, Kimberly Orders Lewis (Tom) of Charleston, WV; five grandchildren, Elise Stevens (Frank), Chelsea Lewis, Hank Lewis, Robert Burns Orders III, and Tyler Orders; great grandchildren Lewis Stevens and Zane Stevens. Bob graduated from Huntington High School in 1949 where he was an All-State selection in football and basketball. He was then appointed to the United States Military Academy at West Point where he played center for two years. He transferred to West Virginia University in 1951 where he was a two year letterman at center for the Mountaineer football team for the 1952 and 1953 seasons. He was named to several All-American teams and was the WV Amateur Athlete of the year. He was drafted by the Green Bay Packers but declined the offer to serve two years in the Army. He was very honored to be inducted into the WVU Sports Hall of Fame in 1994 and followed the Mountaineers avidly over the years. While at WVU, he was a member of ROTC, Beta Theta Pi Fraternity, Mountain Honorary, and Vice President of the senior class. Upon graduation in 1954 he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the College of Commerce. Bob and Susie were stationed for two years at Fort Benning, GA from 1954 to 1956. He then relocated to Charleston where he spent two years at a life insurance agency, then seven more at an asphalt paving company. Bob then started Orders and Haynes Paving Company in 1966 which he owned and operated for the next 33 years. He was past president of Contractor's Association of WV and served on the National Asphalt Paving Association's board. Bob was on several boards including West Virginia University Foundation, Kanawha Banking and Trust, now United Bank, GoodWill Industries, AAA, and YMCA. He was a member of the First Presbyterian Church where he served as a deacon and an elder. Bob and Susie were the advisors of the junior and senior high youth groups, taught Sunday School, and with another couple started The Young Couple's Sunday School class, now called The Class. He was also a member of the Lion's Club. Bob and Susie split their time between Charleston and their home in Sarasota, FL and loved traveling the world. Perhaps more important than all of his accomplishments was the character that he possessed. Countless friendships over the years speak to this. He was both a superb businessman and a tremendously generous leader to all who worked with and for him. His heart was always in the right place. He never met a stranger. He loved playing tennis, reading, going to movies, and especially spending time with his family. The family would like to extend their thanks to Dr. Pfister and associates, Hospice, all caregivers, and a very special thanks to Kelly Lane. In lieu of flowers, the family request donations be made to the Mountaineer Athletic Club, P. O. Box 877, Morgantown WV 26507; The First Presbyterian Church, 16 Leon Sullivan Way, Charleston WV 25301; or Kanawha Hospice, 1606 Kanawha Blvd., West, Charleston WV 25387. Visitation with the family will be from 5-7pm Friday at Wilson Funeral Home. The funeral will be Saturday 2pm at The First Presbyterian Church with a reception to immediately follow the ceremony.