79 of Pittsfield
Roger L. Phoenix, age 79 of Pittsfield, IL passed away Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at his home. He was born on June 6, 1946, in Macomb, IL to Ronald and Martha (Fitch) Phoenix. He graduated from Macomb Senior High School in June 1964 and went on to earn a degree from the Technical Electronics Institute in Louisville, KY in 1967.
On September 9, 1967, Roger married Janet St. Clair in Macomb, IL, beginning a devoted partnership that would span 58 years. That same year, he joined the Army Reserves, where he served for six years.
Roger built a distinguished career in construction, developing deep expertise in carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, drywalling, and finishing. He learned the craft from his father, Ronald, and his grandfather, Tom Phoenix, and carried that knowledge into decades of skilled work. In the 1970’s, he contributed to major construction projects on Western Illinois University’s high-rise residential buildings, including homes for his parents (one in Macomb and one at Lake of the Ozarks), a home for his in-laws Floyd and Henrietta St. Clair, a home for his sister-in-law, Terry and her husband Harlin Porter, and two homes for his own family in the Macomb area. His work later expanded to the Chicago suburbs and Highland Park, where he built and worked on multi-million-dollar homes.
In 1992, Roger joined Western Illinois University as a Project Manager, later advancing to Superintendent of Building Maintenance, a role he held until his retirement in 2010. Roger and his wife Janet owned a second home at Lake of the Ozarks from 2000 to 2006, then upgraded to a larger lake home in Sunrise Beach from 2007 to 2023. In their later years, they relocated to Pittsfield, IL to be closer to family.
Roger is survived by his beloved wife, Janet Phoenix of Pittsfield, IL; his son, Roman L. (Anne) Phoenix of Mundelein, IL; and his daughter, Jaunae S. (Scott) Bacon of Pittsfield, IL. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Ashley S. Phoenix and Ryan J. Phoenix of Mundelein, IL and Phoenix R. Bacon and Rome W. Bacon of Pittsfield, IL; and sister, Lana Willey of East Peoria, IL. He was preceded in death by his parents, Ronald and Martha Phoenix; and sister, Linda Danner.
Beyond his professional accomplishments, Roger was a man of many passions. He loved his cats and dogs, enjoyed boating and fishing, and had a lifelong enthusiasm for classic cars. A skilled mechanic, he owned and cherished several iconic vehicles over the years, including a 1948 Mercury and several Chevrolet Corvettes spanning model years 1958, 1964, 1967, and 2004. Roger was such a craftsman that he started a company making French fitted cases which included making specialized fitted cases for the Music Department at Western Illinois University in Macomb, IL. He also made fitted cases for Miss Macomb’s crown. This company was called Cases by Phoenix. Most importantly, he was a devoted and loving husband, father, and grandfather, and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him.
Cremation rites have been accorded and a Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorials are suggested to be made to Pike County Animal Shelter. Online condolences may be left to the family at www.nieburfh.com. Niebur Funeral Home in Pittsfield is handling the arrangements.
