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BORN
1937
DIED
2024
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Thomas Orr Obituary
September 2, 1937 - September 15, 2024
Sacramento, California - Thomas Robert Orr passed away on September 15, 2024, at the age of 87. He was born on September 2, 1937, to Glen and Henrietta Orr, and younger brother to the late Lois Mickelson, who passed just 3 weeks prior. Tom (also known as Tommy) leaves behind his wife of 53 years, Socorro Orr. Tom was a devoted father to Cristine (Orr) Hancock, Karen Orr, Ken Orr, Richard Orr, and Virginia Orr Hartley. He is also survived by 14 grandchildren and 4 great-grandchildren. Mr. Orr was a 5th-grade teacher in the Washington Unified School District serving children of West Sacramento for over 25 years. Tom was also a church organist for several churches in the Sacramento area, including St. Mary's Catholic Church and the First United Methodist Church of Sacramento. His forte was maintaining and playing the pipe organ. He was well known for the benefit concerts he gave at both churches featuring his children, grandchildren, and musicians within the respective parishes. Often, Tom practiced in the wee hours of the night accompanied by one of three German Shepherds that impacted his life. Though he is gone, the memory of Thomas R. Orr will be treasured as he accompanies all of God's creatures in the choirs of heaven. Friends and family are invited to a Celebration Concert in memory of Tom at the First United Methodist Church, 2100 J Street in Sacramento, on Saturday, September 6, 2025, at 3:00 p.m.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memorial Events
for Thomas Orr
Funeral services provided by:
St. Mary Cemetery & Funeral Center6509 Fruitridge Road, Sacramento, CA 95820
Memories and Condolences
for Thomas Orr
Sponsored by Sacbee.com.
8 Entries
BILL Spurgin
August 27, 2025
My memories of Tom date back to the 1950's when he played the organ at Trinity Prespyterian Church at 15th & Park Blvd, West Sacramento. He was a role model and inspiration in forming the Trinity Youth Group. The Group led to other Prespyterian churches in region forming groups that met at a different church on Sunday evenings. We found all sorts of "Free" services (ie: Doctors, Police Dept, County representatives and other groups) that volunteered to address our groups.
Tom was role model for all of us...
Laura Orr Schricker
August 26, 2025
My father was Tom´s mother´s cousin. As a child I remember going to her funeral.
It´s a very small world!!
Gretchen DeWilliams
August 25, 2025
I knew Tom since 1989, when I started singing in the First United Methodist Church here in Sacramento. He had a marvelous sense of humor that would come out at just the right moments! He is definitely missed.
Gretchen and Patty DeWilliams
August 25, 2025
May his memory be a blessing for his family and friends. My wife and I send our deepest condolences, and we were lucky to have him and Socorro as friends.
Jan Haufek
August 12, 2025
Mr. Orr was my son, Joe Valine´s 5th grade teacher at Evergreen Elementary School in 1982. That previous summer, Joe´s Dad passed away from suicide. Mr. Orr knew the Valine family. When Joe went back to school in the fall, Mr. Orr was so kind to take Joe under his wing and treat him with such love & compassion after the tragic death of his father. He gave Joe the BEST love & support a teacher could ever give. We will always have fond memories of Mr Orr. He was the BEST teacher Joe ever had! Rest In Peace Mr. Orr. Thank you for your kindness & your loving heart. You made a huge difference in Joe Valine´s life. Sending my thoughts & prayers to your family during this difficult time.
Susan Runner (Stroy)
July 16, 2025
Mr. Orr was my 5th grade teacher at Westmore Oaks he was an awesome teacher. I always remember he would reward us with milkshakes from Whiteys once a month if you were to get an A on your spelling test. Also at the end of the school year he had chose to 2 kids to go to a Kiwanis camp and I was one of them that he chose. So many memories I had from his class. He was very active with us. I remember he taught us a song in Czech I Luca Luca she roca I think that´s how it went. Anyways great teacher. RIP Mr. Orr you will always be miss
Jennifer Daniel (yocum)
July 16, 2025
Mr Orr was my 5th grade teacher back in 1985-86 school year at westmore oaks elementary School. He was one of the best teachers I ever had. I had a really hard time learning long division and he stuck with me everyday of the school year until I got it the last week of school I finally got it he got so excited he ran to his desk and threw a candy bar at me and said I knew I would get through to you this year I will never forget him. Rest in peace Mr Orr you are truly missed.
Toni Gonyea-Palmer
July 14, 2025
I worked with his sister and went to school with his daughter. My sincere condolences to the family.
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