Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
Richard Oarr Obituary
Richard Oarr, 61, of Alexandria, VA passed peacefully at Georgetown Hospital on August 12, 2024.
Rich was born in Mississippi to Judith Turpin Oarr and Friend Oarr. He graduated from Bladensburg High School and received his undergraduate degree from the University of Maryland. He also received a Masters Degree from Cal State Stanislaus.
Rich spent 20 years on active duty in the Air Force and rose to the rank of Lt. Colonel. He served in various roles for the Air Force and the Joint Staff in long range planning and budgeting. After his retirement, he continued to support the work of the Air Force and DOD as a contractor.
Rich loved staying in touch with friends, old and new, including those he met during his time teaching at the NATO School Oberammergau and the German au pairs that cared for Sydney and Brittany. He also looked forward to joining the ski trips sponsored by the Pentagon, Blue Ridge and Frederick Ski Clubs each year.
He is survived by his mother Judith and her partner Rusty Allen of College Park; his brother Chris, sister-in-law Inci and niece Mina of Istanbul, Turkey; his daughters Sydney and Brittany of Alexandria; grandson Hunter of Alexandria, VA; and his wife Anne Simmons of Alexandria, VA.
Anne and his family want to thank the medical and support staff for their care and kindness during Rich's time at Georgetown.
A celebration of life will take place on Saturday, October 5 at 11 a.m. at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church in Falls Church, Virginia with lunch to follow.
Memorials may be sent to King Street Cats or the Franconia Volunteer Fire Department.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Richard Oarr
Barbara Pianowski
October 5, 2024
Anne, Judith and Family,
You have my deepest condolences at this sad time of loss. I'm sorry I couldn't attend the service for Rich.
Hope you have many memories of happy times together.
Barbara Pianowski
Martin Heath
September 10, 2024
RIP Rich. I remember our family ski trips with the Laber Ski Club and Happy Hours in the Blue Crest Lounge with great fondness. Great times and great people - farewell old friend!
John Weeber
August 23, 2024
I worked with Rich in Germany, and later re-connected via social media. I remember his wit, decisiveness, and genuine concern for all in his unit. My heart goes out to his family, may they find some peace and comfort in a life well-lived. With deep condolences,
Toni Greenfield
August 22, 2024
So very sorry to hear about Rich. We were assigned and worked at the same unit in Germany. He had such a wonderful sense of humor. Our thought and prayers are with his family. May you find peace and comfort. Respectfully, Toni Greenfield
Dave Weide
August 22, 2024
A true leader, he was my first flight commander in 1991 in Germany. Officers are frightening to young Airmen, but Captain Oarr was friendly... My memories of him are fond ones, he will be missed.
Jim Oarr
August 22, 2024
Judy, et al. I´m so terribly sorry to hear of Richard´s death.
-Jim Oarr
Christopher C Colenda, MD, MPH
August 21, 2024
Dear Judy -
Kathy and I share our deepest sympathies for the loss of Richard. He lived a life of service to his country, to his family and friends, and especially to you. His life was full, and his courage at the end of his life is a testament to his character and to how well you nurtured him as a mother. Our sincerest condolences to you and Richard's family. Chris and Kathy Colenda
Showing 1 - 10 of 10 results
Make a Donation
in Richard Oarr's name
Memorial Events
for Richard Oarr
How to support Richard's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
How to Cope With Grief
Information and advice to help you cope with the death of someone important to you.
Read more
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read moreWays to honor Richard Oarr's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
