Wayne grew up on a farm outside of Fall River, Kansas and moved to Wichita and graduated from Wichita East High Vo-Tech program. He started as an apprentice machinist at Blanchat Machine Company. After working for many years, he ended up co-owning until his retirement in the early 90's. During his time at Blanchat he accomplished the highest civilian clearance for the U.S. military building many parts for aircraft.
Wayne was a Ford enthusiast and enjoyed restoring Model-A cars. He manufactured overdrives to fit the Model-A along with rebuilding steering columns still driving in the country today. He was published in "Skyliner" magazine with his '59 Ford hardtop convertible. The Society of Manufacturing Engineers (SME) awarded him with the lifetime achievement award in '17 with the Joseph A. Siegel Service Award.
Wayne also enjoyed the outdoors; boating, fishing, camping at Table Rock Lake where he eventually built a home. On one of the fishing trips to Beaver Lake he caught a 29-pound Striper that he mounted and displayed above his office desk.
In his later years he enjoyed watching and trading stocks and was most fond of his Ford stock.
Wayne's faith was his foundation and sustained him throughout his life. He was the last founding member of Trinity Presbyterian Church, serving in many different capacities. Most recently he managed their endowment funds to allow the church to strive up until he was 95 years old.
He passed his faith and love for God to his family of over 50. His family of four generations was his most prized accomplishment. Jacob, his great grandson coined him with the name "Great Wayne" and it stuck.
Wayne was preceded in death by his parents; his first wife, Mildred "Mickey"; his second wife, Norma; and his brother, Glenn Orr.
Survivors include his children, Eilene and husband, Gary Cox, Alan and wife, Sheila Orr, Susan and husband, Lewis Prosser, Judy and husband, Wallace Holmes; brother, Gene and wife, Diana Orr; 10 grandchildren; 22 great grandchildren.
Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Monday, February 6, 2023 at Resthaven Mortuary, 11800 W. Highway 54, Wichita; funeral service will be at 10:00 a.m. Tuesday, February 7, at Trinity Presbyterian Church; interment will follow at Resthaven Gardens of Memory, Garden of Lord's Prayer.
A memorial has been established with Trinity Presbyterian Church, 2258 N. Marigold Lane, Wichita, Kansas 67204 and Midian Shrine, 130 South Topeka Street, Wichita, Kansas.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.ResthavenMortuary-Cemetery.com for the Orr family.
