A Service of Remembrance for 68-year old Roger Mays of Chadron, NE, are Sat, May 14, 2022 at 2:30 PM in Memorial Hall at Chadron State College in Chadron.
Roger Mays was born on Nov 20, 1953, in Grand Island, NE, and passed away on March 5, 2022, in Chadron.
A memorial has been established for the Chadron Public Library Foundation or The Chadron State Foundation Theatre Scholarship Fund. Donations may be sent in care of Chamberlain Chapel, PO Box 970, Chadron, NE 69337.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Roger William Mays was born November 20, 1953, in Grand Island, Hall County, NE, to Glenn and Helen Mays and died suddenly of natural causes at home in Chadron on March 5, 2022.
Roger was a loving husband and father, brother, friend, professor and colleague. He married his wife Lucinda on Sept 12, 1980, in Kearney
The youngest of four siblings, Roger grew up in Doniphan, NE – graduating from high school there in 1972.
He went on to graduate from programs in theatre arts at the University of Nebraska at Kearney (BA,) University of Denver (MA,) and University of Georgia (MFA.)
Roger continued dramatic studies throughout his life, traveling to refine his interests in stage combat, acting technique, Shakespeare, and Japanese Noh drama.
He shared those lessons with students at Coker University, the University of Georgia, and Chadron State College – retiring as Director of Theatre at Chadron State in 2019.
Roger made his living as a musician, professional actor, technical and stage director, and professor of theatre.
He loved his work with students and his friends from the Georgia Shakespeare Festival, the Springer Opera House, the Post Playhouse, USO and several theatrical touring companies. He also developed nerves of steel playing in Navy bars in Virginia Beach, VA.
Roger was predeceased by his parents.
Survivors include his spouse of 41 years, Lucinda Mays of Chadron; their daughter, Erica Mays of New York City; his siblings Ron and Judy Mays; BJ and Tom Phansiri; and Richard and Betty Mays, special god-daughter Carrie Mays, dear cousins, aunts and uncle, and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is charge of arrangements for Roger Mays