Roger Orr

1939 - 2025

Our beloved father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend, Roger Eugene Orr, 86, passed away surrounded by his family on July 8, 2025. He was born May 10, 1939, in Egin, Idaho, to Eugene and Georgana Rumsey Orr, the eldest of two children. Roger grew up working and playing on the family farm in Egin - a place that helped shape his love of the land and instilled hard work.

Roger began grade school in Egin, and when that school closed, he continued his schooling in Parker through junior high. He attended South Fremont High School in St. Anthony, where he was a yell leader on the cheer squad, and where he also met the love of his life, Gay Blanchard. After graduating from South Fremont in 1957, he attended Ricks College for a year, where he was also a yell leader on the cheer squad, then served a mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in the Central States Mission. He later completed his Bachelor's Degree in Elementary Education at BYU.

After returning home from his mission, Roger continued his courtship with Gay, and they were married in the Idaho Falls Temple on June 8, 1960. They made their home in the St. Anthony area, where they spent 56 wonderful years together raising their five children - his greatest joy and source of pride.

Roger was a devoted member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and dedicated his life to serving the Lord and those around him. He served two missions for the Church with Gay. Together they cared for the historic grounds in Nauvoo, Illinois, from 2002 to 2003, and later they served at the Humanitarian Center in Salt Lake City from 2004 to 2005. They also served as temple ordinance workers in the Idaho Falls Temple and Rexburg Temple for ten years.

He devoted 38 years to teaching - 25 years at South Fremont Junior High where he taught social studies and art, and another 13 years teaching sixth grade at the elementary school. He touched countless young lives with his dedication, warmth, and belief in his students.

Roger had a true gift for gardening. His yard was known as one of the most beautiful in town, bursting with vibrant flowers and bountiful vegetables. Even as his health declined, he insisted on planting his gardens each year. During his summer breaks from teaching school, he put his gardening talents to work for the community at the St. Anthony Hospital, the Forest Service, and the City of St. Anthony. His hard work and care brought beauty to the entire town.

Sports were another of his lifelong passions. Roger loved coaching, playing, and cheering from the sidelines. He coached countless young athletes in Little League baseball, junior high football, and junior high basketball. He played ward and city league slow-pitch softball, and was the starting pitcher for the 4th Ward men's softball team - a dynasty in the 1970s and '80s - that won numerous stake, region, and area championships. He also played ward basketball, and helped lead the 4th Ward men's basketball team to stake and region titles. Additionally, he thoroughly enjoyed attending his family's sporting events over the past seven decades. No matter where or when the competition, his family could always count on him being their biggest fan.

Roger also loved music and singing. He was a longtime member of the Mellodaires and the Melody Men singing groups and faithfully sang in his ward choir for as long as anyone can remember. He and Gay loved performing together in various choirs and singing groups during their time in Nauvoo.

Roger is survived by his five children: Tamra (Doug) Pelton of Tremonton, UT; Tracy (Trisha) Orr of St. George, UT; Roxi (Jason) Buck of Highland, UT; Lance (Tara) Orr of South Jordan, UT; and Holly (Kevin) Taylor of Lehi, UT; along with 22 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren with one more on the way, and many beloved brothers-in-law and sisters-in-law, nieces, and nephews. He was preceded in death by his wife Gay, his parents, his brother Marshall, sisters-in-law Ruth Orr, Arlene Blanchard, and Delores Blanchard, brothers-in-law Evan Blanchard and Rodney Ricks, and his great-grandson Malcolm Stroshine.

Roger's legacy of love, service, faith, hard work, and beauty lives on in the family and community he cherished so deeply.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, July 24th at 2:00 p.m. at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center, 247 E. 4th N. Family and friends may call Wednesday evening, July 23rd, from 6-8:00 p.m. at the St. Anthony LDS Stake Center, and one hour prior to funeral services on Thursday, July 24th, at the Stake Center. Interment, Parker Cemetery.

Online guest book at https://www.baxterfh.com/obituary/roger-orr