Obituary of John Edward Lahr

AIKEN, SC – Lt. Col. John Edward Lahr, US Army (Ret.), age 83, passed away peacefully, August 7, 2023.

John was born February 3, 1940, in Waterbury, Connecticut to the late John Henry Lahr and the late Lillian Adams Lahr. He graduated from Watertown High School where he was a highly sought after pitcher on the baseball team. He was recruited by the San Francisco Giants but turned down the opportunity to pursue his education at Northeastern University. He later transferred to the University of Connecticut, where he met his future wife, Glennis. At the University of Connecticut, he was a member of Theta Chi Fraternity, and the ROTC. After he graduated in 1962, John reported to Fort Benning, Georgia, to begin his military career. His service in the U.S. Army would see two tours of duty in Vietnam, graduating from the Army School of Linguistics where he learned Vietnamese and used his skills to assist the Vietnamese army in coordinating efforts with the U.S. Army. He would receive two bronze stars for his service and numerous other commendations throughout his military career. He retired after 20 years of active and reserve service with the rank of Lt. Colonel. He then began a second career with the Civil Service, which spanned another 20 years. 

John and Gleni had made their home in the Cedar Creek Community of Aiken since 2000. He served on the Board of Directors for Cedar Creek and the Community Center. He was an avid golfer and member of Cedar Creek Golf Club. The Cedar Creek Community would become his extended family. 

Survivors include his wife of 60 years, Glennis Rosemary Lahr; two daughters, Vanessa Kokrda (Robert) and Valecia Quinn (Sam); a son, Vaughn Lahr (Judy); four grandchildren, Ryan, Colton, Evan, and Kelsie; one great-grandson, Ezra; a sister, Joyce Eddy (Tom); and several nieces, nephews, and extended family.

The family will receive friends (September 2, 2023) at George Funeral Home with a Celebration of Life (5:00 pm to 7:00 pm).

Memorial contributions may be directed to: (Wounded Warriors, Aiken Cancer Society, Friends of the Animal Shelter-FOTAS or The Bluefield Project to Cure Frontotemporal Dementia (FTD). 

The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, 211 Park Ave., SW, Aiken, SC 29801 (803.649.6234), has charge of arrangements.

Expressions of sympathy for the family may be left by visiting www.georgefuneralhomes.com