Orval Clifton Carr, 94, of Elyria, beloved husband and father, slipped quietly and peacefully into his Savior’s heavenly presence with his family by his side on Monday January 25, 2021 at University Hospitals Elyria Medical Center, after a short illness.
Born on an 80-acre farm in Wilsie, WV on October 30, 1926, he grew up learning to be responsible and hard-working. As a youngster he learned animal husbandry, blacksmithing, timbering and he was an accomplished horseback rider. He became a world traveler as a teenager courtesy of the US Navy. He proudly served the country he loved during WWII as a Seaman First Class on the flagship destroyer USS English DD-696. He served in the Pacific Theater sailing around the horn of Africa with stops in Nagasaki, Iwo Jima, the Panama Canal, among others and multiple crossings of the Prime Meridian and International Date Line. He completed his naval service in May 1946 before moving to Akron, OH to work for Goodyear Aircraft.
After a move to Elyria in 1950 and jobs at local General Motors and Fruehauf plants, he began a 33 year career at Ford’s Brookpark Engine Plant and retired in 1986 from the Quality Control Department. He was an honest and devoted employee and an avid fan of Ford and Ford trucks.
During retirement, he was an active tinkerer and enjoyed yardwork, helping others, bluegrass music and volunteering at First Baptist Church of Elyria where he was a long-time member. Affectionately called “Peepa”, his greatest joy was spending time with his family and the many children in his life.
Marlyn Carr (nee Kirkpatrick), became his bride in Indiana in May of 1954. They lived in Elyria where they raised three children and were married 66 years. Survivors in addition to his wife include: three children, Marcia Yingling (Rick), Randal Carr (Debbie) and Karin Townsley (Frank); eight grandchildren, Rob (Dez), Julie (Chuck), Warren, Delanie (Spencer), Madison, Becky (Ian), Steven (Courtney) and Mark; eight great-grandchildren; and a brother, Noel Carr (Jean) of Bellevue, OH. He was preceded in death by; his parents, Thomas and Josie (nee Mace) Carr; and by five siblings.
The family will receive friends on Friday January 29, 2021 from 10am to 12 noon at the Liston Funeral Home, 36403 Center Ridge Rd., (at Stoney Ridge Rd.), North Ridgeville. A private family service will follow the visitation. Burial will be at Resthaven Memory Gardens, Avon, where members from the Honor Guard of VFW Post #9871 in North Ridgeville will conduct full military honors. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be made to First Baptist Church of Elyria.
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