Steven Eugene Orr passed away from this earth on July 9, 2024, at the age of 72. He had been ill with COPD for several years and passed peacefully in his sleep. He was the baby whisperer. He could calm the most fussiest baby. He loved playing Candy Crush with his grandchildren, especially Logan. He loved talking football with Kurtis. He truly loved our country and wanted the very best for all of us. Steve was born in Silverton, Colo., to Gene and Esther Orr on June 18, 1952. He graduated from Silverton High School in 1970. Beginning at 16, he worked in the hard rock mines aboveground for a few years until he was 18 and could mine underground. After a few more years of mining, he moved to Pagosa Springs, Colo., where he worked as a police officer for the Pagosa Springs Police Department from 1975-1979. After his time at the Police Department, Steve worked for La Plata Electric for 37 years, where he retired from in 2016.
He was preceded in death by his father, Gene Orr; mother Esther Orr; nephew Matt Orr; and his ex-wife Sue Betts. He is survived by his older sister, Beverly Rich, and his younger brother, Tom Orr. He is also survived by his wife, Lilly Reed Orr, and four children: Jerry (Katy) Orr, Heather (Kevin) Pearson, Brandon (Kayla) DeBates and Kortney (Derek) Hujus; and eight grandchildren, one special addition grandchild and three foster grandchildren, the loves of his life.
He had many passions throughout his life, including dressing up as Santa for the local church, walleye fishing with his little brother and celebrating his love for his wife each year on Valentine’s Day with a special crab dinner. Steve was an avid sportsman, and hunted and fished all of his life. He truly loved being a dad and raising his son, Jerry. He and his wife, Lilly, loved to travel and took 13 cruises and trips around the world.
There will be a celebration of Steve’s life next Memorial Day with his extended family in Bayfield, Colo. There will also be a celebration luncheon in Pagosa Springs in September or October to be announced.
