A memorial stone was officially dedicated in memory of former Fairbury mayor and alderman Roger Lynn Dameron Wednesday evening.
Family members, friends and city officials gathered at North Park to see the unveiling of a stone which states, “A man devoted to his family and his community. A pillar in the foundation of North Park.”
Fairbury Mayor David Slagel opened the dedication ceremony by playing former audio clips of Dameron starting City Council meetings. Following the playing of the National Anthem, Slagel noted the dedication and commitment Dameron showed the residents of Fairbury saying he brought knowledge and insight which can never be replaced.
“Tonight is a night of dedication for all who knew this man,” said Pastor Daryl Evans from First Baptist Church of Fairbury.
Evans shared a poem called, “A Small Town” and encouraged those in the community to be inspired to love the city of Fairbury the way Dameron did.
“He loved his community, he loved his family and he loved his God,” Evans added.
City Superintendent Brett Ashburn remembered the first time Dameron called him to offer the superintendent position, noting he always had a smile and a story.
“After about 40 minutes of conversation, he had me sold and here I am now.”
Dameron’s daughter, Dr. Heather Schweizer, thanked the city for honoring her father this way. She said public service to the people of Fairbury was not just something Dameron did but it was a big part of who he was.
“He invested his time and talents mentoring and leading others to make our community a better place to live,” Schweizer explained. “He looked at not only what we needed today but also what would be needed in the future to keep the city alive and still growing.”
Dameron, who passed away last fall at the age of 75, is a 1964 Fairbury-Cropsey High School graduate who was a plumber and realtor in town, owning Dameron Plumbing and Indian Creek Realty. He was an alderman in Fairbury for 14 years and mayor for 12. Dameron was also active with the Boy Scouts of America for more than 50 years as a troop leader, scoutmaster and Eagle Scout.
During his time serving the city, Dameron helped secure funds for North Park, the new City Hall and a fire engine.
“The well being of this community was as important to him as his very own family. He served it well and now he will forever be remembered for it,” concluded Schweizer.
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