James R. “Ron” Colyer, 69, of Columbia, died May 27, 2014, in Belleville.

He was born Jan. 16, 1945, in Cape Girardeau, Mo., son of the late Emanuel A. and Wilma M. (Rodgers) Colyer. He was married to Lynn M. (Thompson) Colyer, who survives him. They were married Oct. 10, 2003, in Columbia.

Ron was raised on a farm near McClure, in the “poorest county in the state of Illinois.” He was a graduate of Shawnee High School and received both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Southeast Missouri State University. Ron was currently serving as city clerk of Columbia. 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 Association, and a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church.

Among his many accomplishments, Ron was a high school umpire, umping in three 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 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 Fighting Illini.

Also surviving are his children, James (Christy) Colyer of Cape Girardeau, Mo., Josh (Mary) Colyer of Columbia, Calli (Shaun) Hannah of Columbia, and Brian Schlemmer of Columbia; grandchildren Jordan, Bailey, Andrew, Reese, Aiden and Brilynn; sister Peggy J. Evans of Phoenix, Ariz., and sister-in-law Betsy (James Fox) Olsson of Waterloo, along with other relatives and many friends.

He was also preceded in death by a brother and sister-in-law, Bill (Mitzi) Colyer, and a grandson, James William Colyer.

Visitation was May 30 at Lawlor Funeral Home in Columbia.

Memorial services took place May 31 at the funeral home.

Memorials are suggested to: The Ron Colyer Memorial Scholarship Fund.