David "Red" Lehr

[Northern]

Yesterday, January 5, 2021, we lost David “Red” Lehr. He was 83 years old. He had an incredible career working at his family’s butcher shop in New Athens, Illinois. He was multi-talented in being a great family man, a smart landowner, an accomplished butcher, a trick-shot with his arsenal of weapons, a natural humorist and his amazing ability as a traditional jazz legend. His career started when his dad gave him a trombone at the age of 5 and had him stand on a soapbox and play jazz. His main example in playing was Pete Fountain, whose New Orleans style clarinet playing he emulated on the Sousaphone. His down-home corny jokes and stories would have his spellbound audience laughing at his often politically-incorrect humor, but laugh they would. If you “google” his name and tuba/sousaphone, you will find dozens and dozens of mostly amateur videos of what he was and what he did. To call him an amazing musician is like saying the Titanic is overdue. On top of that, he was an ambassador for our instrument. While I have opportunities to play recitals, give classes and talk in front of symphony patrons and community groups, Red would take an unknowing group who would show up at the “Lt. Robert E Lee” riverboat docked on the Mississippi River with the intent of having dinner or a drink. Within minutes, Red would have them eating out of his hand showing them things our instruments can do that we rarely see at tuba symposia…and this he did with folks who had no intention of being converts to tuba-dom. And in deference to the Titanic, this is the tip of the iceberg regarding Red Lehr.
He leaves behind Carolyn (wife), Lori (daughter) and Jeff (son).
Rest easy, friend. You made a difference.

Should you feel inclined, send a note to:

Family of David “Red” Lehr
8216 Baer Road
New Athens, Illinois 62264
jazznmeat11@gmail.com


Respectully, Gene Pokorny

[jonesbrass]

What a loss.

[bisontuba]

R.I.P.....

[jimgray]

Oh, that's really sad news. He was a real inspiration to so many of us, largely thanks to you. Thanks for sharing, Gene.

-Jim Gray

[groth]

Sad to hear, he was a good friend of many years that I knew since the early 90's as a teenage tubist learning trad jazz. RIP Red!

[Northern]

Here is a recently posted biography:

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Belleville News-Democrat
David E. "Red" Lehr
1937 - 2021

photo
David E. "Red" Lehr
September 19, 1937 - January 5, 2021
New Athens, Illinois - David E. "Red" Lehr, 83, of New Athens, IL, born Sunday, September 19, 1937 in Tilden, IL, passed away Tuesday, January 5, 2021 at his residence in New Athens, IL. A 1955 graduate of New Athens High School, David "Red" Lehr began his music career at age 5, when he was big enough to stand on an orange crate box and play his daddy's trombone at the Tilden, IL picnic. In grade school, as the strongest and tallest kid, he began to play the big Conn Sousaphone. His unique technique and showmanship led to concerts with the St. Louis Symphony Pops Orchestra and the Honolulu Symphony. He and Jean Kittrell took the "Jazz Incredibles" to Europe (Scotland, Netherlands, France, England, Italy, and Germany) six times as well as Japan and Canada. While performing at the Breda International Festival in the Netherlands they were voted the most entertaining band. In a poll taken by "The American Rag" jazz newspaper, Red was voted by the fans as their favorite Jazz tuba/sousaphone player. He was also picked to play in the international band at the Sacramento Jazz Jubilee. Red traveled throughout the U.S. playing jazz festivals and many jazz cruises. Of course, he played in St. Louis and the surrounding area for over 60 years. Red credited Jean Kittrell and Gene Pokorny, principal tuba player in the Chicago Symphony, for much of his success in music, though he gave special kudos to his wife Carolyn. Red has operated Lehr's Market in New Athens since 1972 with his wife Carolyn. Their son Jeff joined them in the business in the late 70's and took over from his father upon his retirement. Admired by classical as well as jazz musicians, Red has been featured in regional, national, and international conferences of brass instruments in Illinois, Kentucky, and in Ft. Meyers, VA where the Sergeant Major awarded him the "Medal of Excellence" and the General John J. Pershing Founders Medal" during the U.S. Army Band's International Conference. Red eventually became the leader of the St, Louis Rivermen, and Red Lehr's Powerhouse Five bands. He made over 25 records, cassettes, and CD's of his beloved traditional Dixieland Jazz. He was a member of St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL and American Legion Post #6632 Red Bud, IL. He was a Veteran whom served in the United States Army.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Emil and Olivia, nee Spitz, Lehr; sister, Helen Lehr.
Surviving are his wife, Carolyn E., nee Beck, Lehr of New Athens, IL; children, Jeff "Red" (Wanda) Lehr of New Athens, IL, Lori (Thomas) Knapp of Smithton, IL; sisters, Vera Robb of Belleville, IL and Fern Frick of Mt. Vernon, IL; grandchildren, Aaron Lehr, Lindsey (Andrew) Hopper, Olivia Lehr (Fiancé, Corbin Estes) and beloved nieces and nephews.
Condolences may be expressed online at www.kurrusfh.com.
Memorials: Memorials may be made to the St. John U.C.C. in New Athens, IL or Family Hospice.
Visitation: Visitation from 3:00 - 8:00 pm, Friday, January 8, 2021 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL and from 9:00 - 11:00 am Saturday, January 9, 2021 at St. Johns U.C.C. in New Athens, IL. COVID-19 restrictions will be followed, masks required, and social distancing. Please be respectful of time and do not linger so others may pay their respects to the family.
Funeral: Due to Covid-19, all services are private. Live streaming can be viewed at www.facebook.com/KurrusFH at 11am on Saturday, January 9, 2021 with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch and Rev. Dr. Donald Wagner officiating. Interment at Oakridge Cemetery, New Athens, IL.



To Plant Memorial Trees in memory, please visit our Sympathy Store.
Published in Belleville News-Democrat on Jan. 8, 2021.
MEMORIAL EVENTS

[TubaBeage]

A funny man!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDv3Ir ... aldEckardt

[groth]

A funny man!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OzDv3Ir ... aldEckardt

That's sad, both him and Earl are both gone now. Both great Trad Jazz tuba players. RIP.