Burnest Orr

With heavy hearts, we celebrate the life of Burnest Orr, a devoted husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, great-great-grandfather, veteran, neighbor, and friend whose kindness and steady presence touched countless lives.

Burnest, of Glen Carbon, IL, formerly of Florissant, MO, passed away Thursday, July 23, 2026, at the age of 105. Beloved husband of the late Margaret Orr; Cherished son of the late Will and Birdie Orr; devoted father of Craig (Connie) Orr and Donna (Donald) Wilkerson; loving grandfather of Frederick Cameron, Vicky Camorn, Deah Maisha (Whitney) Barber, Eric (Tatiana) Washington, Jason (Samantha) Orr, Jerry McGee, Rickey (Jahera Otieno) Torrence, Reginald (Joy) Torrence, and Donald Wilkerson, II; great-grandfather of Kirsten (Amory Wyatt) Washington, Jazmine (Raysean) Golden, Craig McGee, Kalia Cespedes, Christopher Washington, Jamal Orr, Samiyyah Orr, Rickai Torrence, Logan Torrence, Reid Torrence, Donnell Wilkerson, Dontrell Wilkerson, Devyn Wilkerson, Donald Wilkerson, III, and Lynnix Wilkerson; great-great grandfather of Jordan Johnson, Ryleigh Golden, Kamora Wyatt, Talia Wyatt, and Reign Golden. He also leaves to cherish his precious memory; a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends. Burnest is preceded in death by his two daughters, Florida "Louise" (Charles-survives) Pye and Janice (Reuben-survives) Prince; 5 brothers and 6 sisters. 

Burnest shared 56 wonderful years of marriage with the love of his life, Margaret Orr, before her passing. Together they built a home filled with love, laughter, and unwavering devotion to family. Their greatest joy was spending time with their children, grandchildren, and the generations that followed and took immense pride in providing multi-generational childcare.

A proud veteran of the United States Army, Burnest served his country during World War II with honor and carried that same sense of duty and humility throughout his life.

He dedicated almost 40 years to McDonnell Douglas, where his strong work ethic, reliability, and pride in a job well done earned the respect of those who worked alongside him. Whether at work or at home, he believed that anything worth doing was worth doing right.

Known for his calm spirit, gentle heart, and remarkable ability to fix just about anything, Burnest was the person family, friends, and neighbors could always count on. Gifted with his hands, he loved carpentry and was happiest when building, repairing, or improving something for someone he cared about. If a neighbor needed help, he never hesitated to lend a hand.

He was affectionately known as the "Mayor of Wedgewood," a nickname earned through years of friendship, kindness, and genuine care for everyone around him. He took great pride in his home, maintaining an immaculate lawn that was admired throughout the neighborhood. He found joy in gardening, carefully tending flowers and vegetables, especially his beloved tomatoes.

One of his greatest passions was fishing. Nothing brought him more peace than being out on the lake in his boat with a fishing pole in hand. He shared that love with his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, patiently teaching them not only how to fish, but how to appreciate the quiet beauty of nature and the value of spending time together.

He also loved firing up the barbecue and bringing family together over a good meal. Family reunions held a special place in his heart where he was often the oldest member of his family He treasured every opportunity to gather with those he loved.

A devoted St. Louis Cardinals fan, Burnest rarely missed a chance to cheer on his favorite team. Music was another constant source of joy in his life. His home was often filled with the sounds of B.B. King, Patsy Cline, and Marvin Gaye, played loud enough for everyone to enjoy. Those songs became part of the soundtrack of family memories that will live on for generations.

Above all, Burnest will be remembered for the way he loved. He was a wonderful father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and great-great-grandfather whose quiet strength, wisdom, patience, and unconditional love shaped the lives of so many. His gentle nature, calm presence, and generous spirit made people feel comfortable, valued, and cared for.

His legacy is not only found in the family he cherished but also in the lessons he taught by example: work hard, help others without being asked, take pride in what you do, love your family deeply, and always make time for the people who matter most.

Though he is deeply missed, the memories he created, the values he lived by, and the love he shared will remain in the hearts of all who knew him. His life was one of quiet strength, unwavering devotion, and extraordinary kindness—a life well lived and one that will never be forgotten.