Orlan D. Scott

Orlan D. Scott, 94, of Valley Mills, TX, passed away Saturday, October 16, 2021, at his home. A graveside service with military honors will be at 12 p.m., Saturday, October 23, at Valley Mills Cemetery with visitation at 11 a.m.

Orlan was born March 15, 1927, in Brownfield, TX, to Della Mae (White) and John Edward Scott. He moved to Arkansas in 1932 and graduated from high school in Glenwood, Arkansas.

In 1944, at the age of 17, he enlisted in the US Navy serving in WWII and the Korean Conflict. He served aboard the Battleship USS Texas during WWII and participated in the invasion of Okinawa in 1945. He also served on the USS Wabash in the Liberation of China. Orlan earned nine military service medals during the Korean Conflict while assigned to the USS Mellette.

In May of 1949 he attended Advanced Diesel School at Great Lakes, IL, and after separation from the military due to a medical discharge, moved back to Texas and worked for General Motors Diesel Distributors/Dealers. In 1967, he started his own business specializing in General Motors and Detroit Diesel engines, eventually selling the business in 1985.

Orlan married Myrle Ann Lane of Shreveport, LA, and together they raised four sons. Myrle passed away in 1999 after a long illness.

Orlan was a member of the Civil Air Patrol for over 38 years, logging over 7,500 hours of flying time with 396 USAF search and rescue missions and numerous other humanitarian assists. In 1992, he was promoted to Colonel and served as Texas Wing Commander. Colonel Scott has been awarded 14 Civil Air Patrol medals, including a Silver Medal of Valor. He was also a previous member of the Kiwanis Club of Waco Seniors.

Orlan was preceded in death by his wife; son, Gary Scott; three brothers; and three sisters.

He is survived by his sons, Marty Scott of Hewitt, Terry Scott of Woodway, and John Scott of Iola; sisters, Boo Slaucher of AR, Bae Kelleher of NV, and Jeanni Miller of WA; as well as numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and extended family members.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the charity of your choosing.