James R. "Ron" Colyer

James R. 'Ron' Colyer, 69 yrs., of Columbia, IL, passed away at Memorial Hospital, Belleville, IL. He was born in Cape Girardeau, MO, the son of the late Emanuel and Wilma (Rodgers) Colyer. Ron was raised on a farm near McClure, IL, in the "poorest county in the state of IL". He was a graduate of Shawnee High School, and received both his Bachelor's and Master's Degree from Southeast Missouri State University. Ron was currently serving as the City Clerk of Columbia, IL. He had a long career in education, serving as an administrator, teacher, and coach in the Columbia, Dupo, and Marissa School Districts. He was a former Columbia School Board Member, a lifelong member of the Democratic Party, member of the Columbia Gymnastic Assoc., and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church. Among his many accomplishments, Ron was a high school umpire, umping in 3 IHSA state championship games. He was a former high school football referee, Khoury League coach, and played, coached, umped, and announced in the Mon-Clair League. He was a former columnist for the Monroe County Clarion and the Waterloo Republic Times. He worked in Washington D.C. for the Postmaster General as a young man, and once wrote a speech given by President Lyndon Johnson. He was a proud brother in the PKA Fraternity. He played softball for many years for Jim and Ray's, and in many various leagues around the area. Ron was proud of his attendance at 54 straight Illinois basketball championships. Ron will be missed by countless friends, former students, players, and teammates, "Lynn's Girls", golf buddies, and the Friday Night Club. Ron also took great pride in being a Colyer, and was deeply devoted to his family. Anyone who knew Ron was constantly reminded of his unwavering devotion to the Los Angeles Dodgers and the Fighting Illini. He was married to Lynn M. (Thompson) Colyer. They were married on October 10, 2003, at Columbia, IL. Visitation Friday, May 30, 2014 4:00 pm - 8:00 pm Lawlor Funeral Home Memorial Services Saturday, May 31, 2014 2:00 pm Lawlor Funeral Home Columbia, IL Memorial Contribution Suggestions Memorial contributions are suggested to: The Ron Colyer Memorial Scholarship Fund. Also Surviving Son, James (Christy) Colyer of Cape Girardeau, MO Son, Josh (Mary) Colyer of Columbia, IL Daughter, Calli (Shaun) Hannah of Columbia, IL Son, Brian Schlemmer of Columbia, IL Grandchildren, Jordan, Bailey, Andrew, Reese, Aiden, and Brilynn Sister, Peggy J. Evans of Phoenix, AZ Sister-In-Law, Betsy (James Fox) Olsson of Waterloo, IL Other relatives and friends Also Preceded In Death By Brother and Sister-In-Law, Bill (Mitzi) Colyer Grandson, James William Colyer

James R. "Ron" Colyer

January 16, 1945 - May 27, 2014