Roger Lilly Obituary

Maj. Gen. Roger Lilly, retired, passed away October 25, 2005 in Chester, CT., after a short illness. His family was at his side. He was the beloved husband of Marian "Betty" Lilly for 64 years and father of Marian Bairstow. Born in Oil City, PA., Gen. Lilly entered the United States Military Academy at the age of 16. At West Point he was a stand out gymnast and led the Academy's team to victory. He graduated with the class of 1939 beginning a 35 year career as an officer in the United States Army. He continued his education at the University of Michigan where he earned a Masters in Mechanical Engineering. In World War II, he was Battalion Commander of the 399th Field Artillery Battalion at the age of 24. He attended the National War College as well as serving the distinction in various capacities across the U.S. Germany, and Korea. Gen. Lilly received many medals, including the Purple Heart, the Bronze Star, and the Distinguished Service Medal. He retired from the Army in 1974 and spent most of his retirement in Colorado Springs. He and Betty traveled the world. He fished, he cooked, he entertained. he was warm, funny, smart, and good at just about everything. These qualities made him an ideal leader, husband, father, grandfather and friend. Hist internment will take place at the United States Military Academy at West Point, New York with full military honors on Monday, November 7th at 1:30 p.m. It is open to anyone who would like to attend. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that a contribution be made to Operation Family Fund. It provides for the families of those servicemen and women who have been killed or severely disabled during Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom with funds for immediate or long term needs. The address is Operation Family Fund, U.S.P.O. Box 837 Ridgecrest, CA 93556.