Kevin Thurman Orr

Kevin Thurman Orr, 62, of Abilene, Texas, passed away peacefully at home on Monday, November 24, 2025. He was a follower of Jesus Christ, and we rejoice in the fact that he is standing in the presence of Jesus. A visitation will be on Monday, December 1, 2025 from 5:00 - 7:00 p.m. at Piersall Funeral Directors, 733 Butternut Street. Funeral service will be on Tuesday, December 2nd at 1:00 p.m. in the chapel of Piersall Funeral Directors, with burial to follow at Elmwood Memorial Park Cemetery.

Kevin was born on January 4, 1963, in Fort Worth, Texas, to Donald & Nell Orr. He grew up as the baby of the family, with an older brother, Ken, and an older sister, Kay. (Yes -their names are Ken, Kay & Kevin!)

Kevin attended Hardin-Simmons University in the early 1980s and was a saxophone player in the World Famous Cowboy Band. One anecdote about Kevin that family and friends have heard through the years is that Kevin marched with a broken foot in the Cotton Bowl Parade and was even featured on the TV broadcast, high-stepping in his cast down the parade route.

While attending HSU, Kevin met the love of his life, Susan Swindell. They were married on August 1, 1987, recently celebrating 38 happy years of marriage.

Kevin worked for Texas Health and Human Services for 33 years and was known for his support of Medicaid and the CHIP Program. His colleagues considered him the picture of a servant leader. He retired to spend more time with his family.

In 1998. Kevin and Susan adopted two wonderful children, Val & Katie. He was dedicated to his family and for many years he helped care for Susan's mother, Lou Jean Swindell.

Kevin was preceded in death by his parents Donald and Nell Orr and his brother-in-law Bryant Colley. Kevin is survived by his wife, Susan Swindell Orr, his children Val Orr and Katie Orr, brother and sister-in-law Ken & Sarah Orr, and their sons Josh Orr and Jacob Orr, sister Kay Orr Colley and children Arica Lee, Brandon Colley and Justin Colley. Also survived by sister-in-law Nancy Cravey and her husband Ron Cravey and their daughter Caitlin Cravey.

Kevin co-founded King David's Kids, a non-profit that provided support groups, summer camps, and education for families with special needs children. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Kevin's honor at https://kingdavidskids.org/donate.

The family wishes to thank the staff at Hendrick Hospice of Abilene, Kevin's colleagues from the Hardin-Simmons Cowboy Band years, and many friends for their support and prayers.