Kenneth J. Lehr

KENNETH LEHR

FIDELITY — Kenneth J. Lehr, 59, of Fidelity, died in the line of duty at 2:24 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 5, 2015, in rural Macoupin County while serving as Medora Fire Chief during an emergency medical call.

He was born on July 29, 1955, in Jerseyville, Ill. to Irvin J. and the late Mary Ann (Geers) Lehr.

As a young man, Kenneth would spend his weekends and summers with Grandpa John Geers, working on the farm in Kampsville, Ill. Kenneth attended East Alton-Wood River High School and upon graduation in 1973, went to work for Olin Corporation in East Alton and moved to Kampsville to help Grandpa Geers on the farm.

Kenneth married Janelle A. (Davis) Lehr on Oct. 25, 1975, in Wood River.

Kenneth served as Chief of the Medora Fire Protection District and was an active Emergency Medical Technician for the Area Ambulance Service. He had recently retired from Olin as a machine adjuster.

He enjoyed watching war movies and had an interest in military history. He loved to garden, fish, do carpentry and watch old western movies as well. He also enjoyed hunting with family and friends. He will be sadly missed by his loving wife, son and grandchildren.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by one son, Kenneth J. Lehr Jr. of Fidelity, three grandchildren, Kenneth J. Lehr III, Alexis A. Price, Gavin J. Lehr, two sisters and brother-in-law, Patty Lehr of Wood River, Beverly and Bob Hardy of Moro; and his father, Irvin Lehr of Wood River.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Mary Ann Lehr, and grandparents, John and Alice Geers, Edward and Lena Lehr.

Visitation will be from 3 to 8 p.m. Friday, Feb.13, 2015, at the Brighton West/Southwestern District Office in Brighton.

Funeral service will take place at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 14, 2015, at the Southwestern High School Gymnasium in Piasa, Ill.

Full firefighting burial rites will take place.

Father William Kessler will officiate.

Burial will be at the Maple Lawn Cemetery in rural Medora, Ill.

Memorials may be made to the Medora Fire Protection District or the Area Ambulance Service Medora Unit.