Roger D Lair

Roger D. Lair, 77, of Metamora formerly of Peoria passed away at 6:45pm Monday August 29, 2011 at Proctor Hospital in Peoria. Roger was born June 2, 1934 in Peoria, Illinois to Clarence and Myrtle Edmond Lair. Surviving is his Aunt Mildred James; two Godsons, Jonathan Watt and David Van Etten; two Goddaughters, Wendy and Karla; as well as numerous cousins in Illinois, Nebraska, and Pennsylvania. He was preceded in death by his parents and Sister Elaine Lair. Roger was an active member of the First English Lutheran Church serving as a member of council and lay reader. Phi Mu Alpha music fraternity, AFSCME, Peoria Players, Children's Theatre Community, the Apollo Theatre, and Corn Stock Theatre all had the honor of calling Mr. Lair a valued member. When Roger was not actively engaged in the theatre he spent his time teaching English at various schools throughout Central Illinois, including; Reservoir School in Peoria, Glendale School in East Peoria, and Glenwood High School in Chatham. He also taught English and Speech at Sauk Valley Junior College in Dixon, Illinois. Roger graduated from East Peoria High School in 1952. He then attended Bradley University in Peoria, IL graduating in 1956 with a Bachelor of Science. As a member of the United States Army, Roger served a tour in Germany. He later went to work for Ozark/TWA for many years, before beginning his job with Peoria County Circuit Clerk's Office, which he retired from in November 2009. Roger has been active in local theatre since the fifties when he first appeared on the Peoria Players stage on Jackson Street. He acted in sixteen productions, danced in four musicals, and directed two plays and two musicals for Peoria Players. He was one of approximately twenty people who started Corn Stock Theatre where he acted in one play and two musicals. Roger was also a Charter Member of the Apollo Theatre where he served as a board member. Writing, directing, and/or narrating plays such as, "Let's Go to the Movies", "It Played in Peoria", "Vaudeville", "Groucho", "A Life in Review", "The Fantasticks", and many more, Roger left a mark on the Central Illinois Theatre community for many years to come. Cremation Rites have been accorded, and Memorial Services are scheduled for 11am Saturday September 10, 2011 at First English Lutheran Church with the Rev. Dr. James Lillie officiating. Visitation will be from 10:15 until his service time also at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials may be given in his name to Snyder Village or to First English Lutheran Church.