George F. Lahr, 88, of Medora, IL, passed away on Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, at his home.
He was born on June 21, 1936, in Carlinville, IL, the son of the late Harold “Mick” and Lucille “Lucy” (Duncan) Lahr.
George married Barbara Darlene Chute on Aug. 30, 1958, in Rushville, IL. She survives.
He spent 31 years as an educator at Southwestern School District, working at the high school the first year it opened. George was very involved in the community. He and Darlene helped start Area Ambulance and volunteered there for 17 years. They also founded the Farm and Home Museum in Shipman, IL. George was a founding member of the Southwestern Foundation for Educational Excellence, started the Southwestern work CO-OP finding over 400 jobs for local high school students, and was a sponsor of Illinois Vocational Industrial Club of America. He had a passion for nature and restored several acres of prairie grass. In 1989 his advanced biology class sent out surveys and had Illinois grade school students vote on their favorite prairie grass, which made Blue Stem Prairie Grass the official grass of Illinois. He was instrumental in the Piasa Bird being brought back to the high school football field.
George is survived by his wife, Darlene; three sons, David Lahr of Anderson, IN, Todd Lahr of Jerseyville, IL, and Kerry Lahr of Jerseyville, IL; two daughters, Cindy Kelly of Galena, IL and Becky (Jim) Mangan of Noblesville, IN; eight grandchildren, Ev Lahr, Tim Kelly, Anne Kelly, Allison Kelly, Patrick Mangan, Jamie Mangan, Sarah (Ben) Holmstrom, and Kristin Mangan; five great grandchildren.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
Visitation were held from 4 until 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025, at Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora, IL.
Funeral services were held at 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Jan. 4, 2025, at Mt, Pleasant Baptist Church in Medora, IL.
Private family burial will be held at Maple Lawn Cemetery in rural Medora.
Memorials may be made to Southwestern Foundation for Educational Excellence.
Condolences may be left online at www.andersonfamilyfuneral.com