Marvin Lee Bair

Marvin Lee Bair, 80, of Creve Coeur, IL, died Monday, July 11, 2011 in Little Rock, AR. He was born on May 3, 1931 in Canton, Il. to Russell Jerome and Anna Olive Miller Bair. He married Lena Sellers on July 2, 1955 in East Peoria, IL. He leaves to cherish his memory his wife of 56 years, Lena Bair Of Creve Coeur, IL; 1son, Russell Bair of Peoria, IL; 1daughter, Lynda (Jeff) Sikes of Little Rock, AR; 2 sisters, Verna Walker of Herrin, IL, Jeanne (Ken) Stachnik of Washington, IL; grandchildren, Joshua Bair of East Peoria, Blade Bair of Peoria, IL and Jerusha Bair of Creve Coeur, IL; Jake Heflin of Peoria, Il, Erin, Amy and Ellen Lewis all of Little Rock, AR, 3 great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves his beloved pets, Rocky and Jasmine. Marvin was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Rev. Lloyd Bair and infant brother James Edward Bair. Marvin’s hobbies were riding his Aspencade Gold Wing motorcycle and building his own rifles, one of which won him the United States Midwest Shooting Championship with his “Ball and Cap” Rifle. He also was proud of his Kentucky Long Rifle that he manufactured. He was an avid hunter believing in hunting only for food, a lesson he learned from childhood. He hunted in Canada and in many times in Southern Illinois. Marvin was an army veteran serving during the Korean War. He drove his Army “Duck” from France to Holland to help evacuate people during a flood. He loved to tell about his many adventures to family and friends about his life, if asked and entertained family and friends for hours. Marvin was a member of the Elmridge Baptist Church in East Peoria. He graduated from Glendale Elementary and East Peoria Community High School. Marvin retired from Caterpillar Tractor Co. after 40 years of employment and was acknowledged for the work he did at the Proving Grounds. Services for Marvin will be at 10 am Friday, July 15, 2011 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in East Peoria. Visitation will be from 5-7 pm on Thursday also at the funeral home. Cremation rites will be accorded following the services.

Marvin Lee Bair

May 3, 1931 - July 11, 2011