Randy C. Lair of Carmen, Ill., died Thursday, April 24, 2025, at his home.Born on November 5, 1957, in Burlington, he was the son of Max and Norma Dredge Lair. On July 17, 1999, in Burlington, he married DeAnne “DeeDee” Vandiver.
Randy was a 1976 graduate of Burlington High School. For over thirty years he worked for Iowa Illinois Taylor Insulation where he retired from. He was a union member for the Local 81 Heat and Frost Insulators and a member of Meyer Marina, where he served for many years as their secretary. Randy also operated the gas docks down at the marina for many years. After retiring, Randy worked for Huffman’s Farm & Home for a couple of years.
Randy loved to be on the Mississippi River boating every chance he could. He enjoyed taking friends and family out on the river in his jon boat. In his younger years he enjoyed skiing and fishing. Randy loved to sing and dance and while in high school he was a part of the Purple Airs. He always enjoyed taking DeeDee out for dinner, taking destination cruises and traveling. There was always fun to be had when attending the “Lair River Days”, a huge family reunion held at his home. Randy loved nothing more than to be with his family, especially his children and grandchildren.
He is survived by his wife DeeDee; four children: Charles (Dawn) Lair of Coralville, Iowa, April Burke of Houston, Texas, Kate (Andrew) Brender of Crocker, Mo., Ian (Angela Erickson) Beard of Burlington; five grandchildren: Alanna, Wesley, Elijah, Kendal and Sylas; sister Cathy (Eric) Palmer of LaHarpe, Ill. and brother Michael Lair of Kansas City, Mo.. Also surviving are several nieces, nephews, and many friends.
He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents, and brother in-law Darrin Vandiver.
A celebration of life will be held at 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, May 18, 2025, at the Burlington Moose Lodge. A graveside service will be held at 11 a.m. Monday 19 at Aspen Grove Cemetery.
A memorial has been established in his memory for the Des Moines County Animal Shelter.